July 2012 N0. 58 OLD SUTTONIANS NEWSLETTER OS Interviews In this issue: Malcolm Parkinson MBE (1961 L) Over fifty years ago I arrived at Holdgate House, run by Rev.
Nichols, to start my Reunions Page 5 education at Sutton Valence following in the footsteps of my brother Ian Parkinson (1958 L). Duxford Reunion Page 8
After a term I moved onto Valence House which was superbly positioned close to pubs, shops, the payphone and crucially the delightful village girls.
I started my second year in Lambes We had some fine teachers, lots of House which apart from being fairly me- characters, some inspiring war heroes, dieval with a huge noisy dining hall and not least The Reverend Nichols with his enormous cold barnlike dormitories, M.C. Most of the teachers had done Marriages Page 32 was characterised by an independent, noteworthy things and gained much ex- confident spirit and a certainty that perience before coming to Sutton Va- Regional Reunions Page 8 Lambes was quite simply the best. lence. They encouraged us to recognise what the world had to offer and inspired House Focus Page 14 Life at School in the early 60’s was full me to go out for myself, which I did by Old photographs Page 16 of promise, freedom, excitement at the joining the Merchant Navy as a trainee OS News Page 20 changing world punctuated by the occa- navigation officer. During my time at sional scare such as the Cuban Missile School News Page 40 Crisis that had us all glued to the radio. Continued on page 2
Information A member of the United For information about Sutton Valence School, please contact: Westminster Schools’ Foundation Registered Charity No. 309267 • the Admissions Office at Sutton Valence on 01622 845206 or email [email protected] Founded in 1576 by William Lambe • Sutton Valence Preparatory School on 01622 842117 or email [email protected]
Old Suttonians Newsletter July 2012 1 Old Suttonians Newsletter
Continued from front page sea I was almost shipwrecked in the At- on to run, as Chief Executive, Wool- and determination to succeed, to realise lantic, shot at in Egypt and Aden, lion- worths, who had bought B&Q. I started that anything is possible if you apply ized in India as we delivered life-saving up an un-successful garden centre busi- yourself and don’t mind who takes the rice to the starving population. ness, chaired or sat on the boards of credit. over 40 private and public companies After two years at sea I went into busi- and as a Governor helped develop I look back fifty years with fondness, ness, firstly in advertising and then into Capel Manor College into Britain’s fore- sadness that I have lost touch with many retailing. I joined up with some friends most horticultural college. For this task but happy I still see lots of Old Suttoni- who had started a small hardware chain I have just been awarded an MBE. ans and recognise in them much of what as the first Marketing Director and we I got from the School. created Europe’s most successful D.I.Y. Sutton Valence nurtured my spirit of company B&Q. Subsequently, I went independence, gave me the confidence
Katie Gornall (2001 V) Switch on the BBC’s While many students headed for the come and meet the sports team there. I bar after tutorials, Katie instead applied just kept going in every afternoon”, she World television service for work experience at radio and TV sta- said. “I wanted to be part of it all, and tions, and was taken on for a three-week sheer persistence was paying off”. wherever you are on the stint at BBC Radio 5live Sport, gaining valuable experience from watching es- Katie was soon making herself useful planet this year, and tablished sports presenters such as Alan – “to be honest, I’d do anything from an- Green and Jacqui Oatley. swering the phone to broadcasting the you – and 300 million traffic and travel bulletins. By simply other people – are quite Having successfully applied for an MA sticking around, I was getting more ex- course in radio production at Sunder- perience and opportunities”. likely to see ex-SVS land University, Katie then got taken on by BBC Newcastle – “I was given the She was also gaining a reputation as a Head of School Katie number of Nick Barnes, their Sunder- reliable and enthusiastic reporter, and Gornall presenting the land commentator, who invited me to when BBC Northeast’s regional TV pro- sports news.
For Katie, 29, it marks the latest stage in a broadcasting career which has taken her from student radio to international television.
It’s perhaps no surprise that sports journalism attracted Katie (1994 - 2001 V), because she represented the School’s first teams at netball, which she captained, hockey, tennis, rounders and shooting.
Her academic leanings were towards science, and she won a place at Durham University to study natural sciences. However, it was the university’s radio station, rather than the labs, which most appealed to Katie, and she began to learn the basics of broadcasting. Katie interviewing ‘Match of the Day’ pundit and former England and Newcastle star Alan Shearer
2 July 2012
gramme ‘Look North’ had a sports desk North’, but then came an opportunity to who had just won the IBF world super- vacancy, Katie got the job. join BBC’s network TV sports desk in middleweight boxing title. My family Salford, which is responsible for compil- and I are big boxing fans and the day be- From modest roles, such as compiling ing reports to be broadcast across the fore we'd all been raving about his fight. the soccer scores, Katie was soon suffi- network, including the rolling BBC It was incredible to then be sitting down ciently trusted to go out with a camera- News 24 service, and the BBC World TV with him to talk about it first-hand." man and file sports reports for ‘Look channel. North’. This summer, Katie is also scheduled “Going from regional TV, where we to realise her dream of being involved in Although she’d already interviewed had a peak audience of around 400,000 the coverage of the Olympics, working stars such as Jonny Wilkinson and Evan- to BBC World, which goes into around alongside medal winners-turned-broad- der Holyfield for radio, reporting for TV 300 million homes, is quite a jump”, says casters such as Steve Cram. – including the occasional live broadcast Katie. “But whenever I’m on camera, I – might have been daunting to many try not think about those enormous This will also give her the opportunity journalists. viewing figures – I tell myself I’m just of coming back to Kent to visit her illus- chatting to my Nana!” trator father Mike Gornall and younger “To be honest, I’ve always been pretty brother Sam, also an Old Suttonian, liv- laid-back, so appearing on camera did- Every broadcaster occasionally has ing in Egerton. n’t faze me too much”, says Katie. “And tricky experiences, and Katie is no ex- I really enjoyed interviewing Newcastle ception. “I was once sent to interview an Katie says “I’m not hugely ambitious”. FC heroes such as Alan Shearer and Ethiopian athlete who didn’t speak a Ambitious or not, her rapid rise up the Kevin Keegan, and being absorbed in word of English”, she recalls. “But sports broadcasting ladder is testament the total passion that a club like that somehow we got through it……. to her talent and enthusiasm. And, as generates”. she says, “being really persistent”! “I love the unpredictability of journal- Last year, Katie co-presented a pro- ism. For instance, I came in one day to Interview by Richard Harvey gramme on the Olympics for ‘Look be told I was interviewing Carl Froch, (Cornwallis ’63)
ton – the bride’s demi-chignon was Richard Ward styled by James Pryce supported by Richard, while Richard’s team also (1983 W) styled the hair of the bridal party. This is all a very long way from life at An OS enjoying a con- SVS, which Richard looks back on with fondness. He was a keen sportsman, sistently high media playing hockey for the first X1 and Kent under-15s, and also represented the profile is Richard Ward School at rugby and cricket.
(1980-83), one of Academically, he excelled at graphic Britain’s most success- art, English and history, and he recalls “there was plenty of laughter and some ful hairdressers, with a amazing sporting opportunities. I made some great mates who I’m still friends London salon looking with now”. after more than 1,000 Not long after leaving SVS, Richard moved to London and began his career clients a week. as an apprentice with celebrity hair- the Year in the British Hairdressing dresser Daniel Galvin before he and his Awards and winner of the Celebrity It’s been a remarkable rise for wife Hellen bought a bankrupt salon be- Hairdresser of the Year, Richard’s Richard, culminating last year when he hind Harrods in 1992. biggest business decision came in 1995 and his team were involved in the wed- when he made a £1.5 million investment ding of Prince William to Kate Middle- Nominated six times as Hairdresser of in the Richard Ward Salon and Metro-
3 Old Suttonians Newsletter
spa – which provides a variety of hair Newsletter will be expanded with new ian pages at the top of the page on the and beauty treatments – in Duke of articles, contributions from OS and a main title bar. York Square, just off Sloane Square, précis of the news and highlights of life London SW3. Today, the salon employs at School. Anyone wishing to continue a staff of 75. receiving The Suttonian will be given the opportunity to do so, and we are also Careers Richard’s reputation and profile is working to make it available through the partly due to his gift for publicity – he OS webpages as a digital book. features regularly in publications from Networking Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar, the Sunday Times to the Daily Mail, Grazia to OK!. Are you able to help with work expe- rience or mentoring? He was also a regular on Trinny Emails Woodall and Susannah Constantine’s More and more OS are preferring to In order to give our pupils and Old TV makeover programmes, and is now receive letters, newsletters etc by email; Suttonians the opportunity to compete the resident hairdresser for the Lorraine not only is this more convenient for effectively for the more highly regarded breakfast show. them, but also enables the Development university places, or to get a first foot on Office and the OSA to contain our costs. the employment ladder, the School con- Richard’s success has also led him into If you have received this newsletter by siders it most important that a young education and charitable work. He is a post and would prefer to receive it on- person gains work experience. However, co-founder of HAIRaising, which raises line, please send in your email address they need the contacts to be able to do funds for Great Ormond Street Chil- to Rebecca Riggs at [email protected]. this. Sutton Valence Sixth Form pupils dren’s Hospital, and is involved in train- After the summer issue, Sutton Views and other younger Old Suttonians could ing projects for up-and-coming will only be sent by email as a link to a greatly benefit from the network of Old hairdressers. digital book, unless you have requested Suttonians employment knowledge and otherwise, but it is also available online experience, whether it is providing work Interview by Richard Harvey through www.svs.org.uk. shadowing or sound advice in the form (Cornwallis ’63) of mentorship.
If you are in a position to offer work shadowing to a Sutton Valence pupil or LinkedIn another Old Suttonian, please complete the relevant section of the database up- The Suttonian We are in touch with over 530 Old date form or email Rebecca Riggs on Suttonians through the website [email protected] or telephone 01622 www.linkedIn.com. This site will enable 845258 specifying your profession or and the Old you to network with your peers, contact area of expertise. Any contact made will other OS in your industry and beyond, be made through the School only. or catch up on news. To become part of Suttonian the group you need to register on the site, if you haven’t already, then ‘re- quest’ to join the group Old Suttonians. Newsletter You will also see that we have seven sub- Awards groups for OS in United Arab Emirates, We hope you will already know from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Aus- previous letters that the OSA intends to tralia, USA and Germany. 2011/12 stop sending out The Suttonian maga- zine to OS, as a matter of routine. We Atchison Bequest have received suggestions from OS that Hannah Kitchen (2011 Cl) they would prefer that the cost of send- Tom Oldfield (2011 L) ing such a weighty publication was put OS Webpages to better use and that much of the con- Bennett-Hunting Memorial tent, whilst interesting, has little rele- More information on events and com- David Booer (2011 M) vance to them. So, in an effort to make munications can also be found through Cristina Paca (2011 S) communications to you more engaging the School’s website: www.svs.org.uk. Catherine Robinson (2011 H) and interesting, the Old Suttonian You will find the link to the Old Sutton- Joel Smith (2011 G)
4 July 2012 Reunions 1950s Reunion
Photograph from left David Harverson (1956 M), Christopher Quinton (1958 L), Tony Ruffell (1958 M) and Jeremy Wall (1954 M)
In June 2011, over 65 Old Suttonians attended the 1950s reunion at the School. A small group of OS played golf in the morning at The Ridge. Neville Sarony (1958 M) provided the enter- tainment by re-creating the School song and playing on the piano. We are very grateful to Jeremy Wall (1954 M) for the organisation.
Photograph from left Gerald Clapp (1953 M), Michael Beaman (1952 W and Ex-Staff), Brian Norman (1954 W), Mark Grundy (1955 W), John Evans (1953 W), Barbara Bartlett and Michael Bartlett (1954 W)
5 Old Suttonians Newsletter
Oldest and Boldest reunion
In October 2011, the Oldest and Boldest reunion was attended by over 60 OS. Old Suttonian ties were presented to Robert Furniss (1937 W) and Bernard Tipples (1937 M). Both joined the School in 1932. Douglas Horner (1962 M) gave the response to the Headmaster.
Photograph from left, Robert Furniss (1937 W), Bruce Grindlay (Headmaster SVS), Bernard Tipples (1937 M)
Old Suttonians, Australia Reunion (Perth)
In February 2012, six Old Suttonians based in Perth met up in Fremantle. They had a fun evening and, at 26°C, the weather was also kind. We are grateful to John Smith (1965 W) for or- ganising the get-together. The group are planning to meet again in central Perth. If any other OS in the Perth region would like to be in- volved, please contact The Rev’d John F Smith by email: [email protected].
From left, Mrs Lorraine Smith, Geoffrey Jacob (1945 M), Mrs Millar, Alan Boyd (1988 W), Alan Boyd partner, Martin Bennett (1982 W), Andrew Millar (1983 W), Clare McDonnell (née Hubbard) (1987 V), Mr McDonnell.
6 July 2012
London Reunions
On 17th January 2012, over 60 Old Suttonians attended an informal get-to- gether in London at the Brigade, Tooley Street (www.thebrigade.co.uk). The event was a great success and will hope- fully become a regular addition to the OS calendar of events. Our apprecia- tion goes to Nicholas Bills (1992 W) for organising the venue.
On 20th April 2012, Old Suttonians From left, Amelia Acott (née Merricks) (2004 S), Peter Hunt (2004 W), Clare Hindmarsh met up in The Old Star, Westminster, (2004 H), George Blake (2004 Cl), Philippa Scott (2004 H), William Selway (2004 G) London.
From left, Samer Taki (1980 W), Doug Mather (1974 M), Nicholas Bills (1992 W), David Pickard (Hon Sec OSA), Neil Richards (1967 F), Alan Whitewright (1974 W), Anthony Moony (1977 C), Rebecca Riggs (Development Office).
The next London reunion will be on Tuesday 9th October 2012. For details, please contact Charlotte Bills - [email protected].
7 Old Suttonians Newsletter
Old Suttonians, Hong Kong Reunion
In May 2012, 22 Old Suttonians met in of you responded to the call. Those who, we are to ensure getting the right sort of the Hong Kong Club for the first re- for whatever reason, were unable to join venue. I suggest that we look at an early union of OS in Hong Kong. We are very us really missed out! December date so as to get the largest grateful to Neville Sarony (1958 M) for numbers, and also a Friday or Saturday. organising this. If any other OS in Hong But now we are assured that there will I propose we look at 7th or 8th Decem- Kong would like to be involved in the be future occasions and opportunities, ber and 14th or 15th December. Will next reunion, please contact Neville we can all do our best to press gang the you please let me know as soon as possi- Sarony by email: [email protected]. less enthusiastic. ble which of these dates would be most convenient for you? We also need to de- Neville writes:“I think we all agree We have an offer of a Junk from cide whether we want to include spouses that the OS Hong Kong Reunion was a Stephen Bottomley (1972 W), a BBQ or keep it exclusively O.S. Please reply great success and I really enjoyed meet- from Dan Shepherd (1994 B), so we can on these questions as swiftly as possible ing everyone. The enthusiasm for main- work on these. The idea of a pre-Christ- so that we get a consensus that we can taining our bonds was tremendous and I mas dinner met with universal approval. then plan around.” greatly appreciate the fact that so many We need to make a reservation now if
Regional Reunion Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire In May 2012, 70 Old Suttonians, family and friends, met at the IWM Duxford for the second regional reunion. Richard Ashton (1986 M), Di- rector and Executive VP of the museum kindly hosted the event and pro- vided four very knowledgeable guides, who greatly enhanced the visit for everyone. copyright IWM
8 July 2012
Richard Ashton (1986 M), Duxford, copywright IWM
William Lambe Dinner
In May 2012, Old Suttonians met for dinner in the Headmaster’s House for the annual William Lambe Society Dinner. We would very much like to hear from any OS who may have made a provision (of any kind) for the School in their wills, so that we may include them in the next invitation to dinner.
Please contact: Helen Knott, Development Manager [email protected] 01622 845271
Old Suttonians at Duxford
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Old Suttonians meet up in a war zone
At the beginning of the conflict in Libya, back in February 2011, Ben Brown and I (Issam Hajjaji) made contact via email. He was at the Libyan border in Tunisia reporting for the BBC. I provided news of the capital, Tripoli, where I lived. We had thought that the regime will fall in the first week and would meet here. Events, however, took a different turn when Gaddafi released his mercenaries on the towns and managed to quell the uprising in all the towns from Tripoli to the Tunisian border. Foreign correspon- dent presence was severely restricted and Ben could not enter Libya. In addi- tion, internet was cut off.
We had a very difficult next six months with widespread arrests, intense secu- rity, food and petrol shortages. Injured demonstrators were being picked up at the hospitals, so relatives started treat- ing their injured at home. This included a large number from the area of Suk El Juma, east of Tripoli, where my family is originally from. I set up a rudimentary died. Further, I could not openly adver- his way. Things quietened down in the clinic in my home to treat bleeding, tise my services, lest I end up in jail. middle months, then picked up again shock, wound disinfection and for sutur- Word about the clinic was spread by when Tripoli rose again. ing. Those with more severe injuries family members and a code was used on could not be sent to hospital and several telephone to tell me a casualty was on Internet was restored when the town was liberated. Ben managed to get in to Libya and we met after 34 years! He did a couple of live interviews with me on BBC World and News Channel. I took him round Tripoli. He talked to young rebels from my family and took a photo- graph of Gaddafi’s camel, used for milk, which is now residing in my aunt Aisha’s garden.
It was a pleasure to see Ben again (in person) and to help an Old Suttonian. We talked about schooldays in the 1970s and who is still alive of our masters. OS are all over the world and I’m sure would help other OS even if they were at different time periods at the school.
Prof Issam M Hajjaji MA FRCP FRCPE (1977 M) Tripoli, Libya 6.9.2011
10 July 2012
The opening of TC’s, 28th September 2011 in memory of Tom Chastain (1955 W)
A legacy from an Old Suttonian has will be a lasting tribute to Tom and his meant that the old tuck shop could be generous gift to the School." renovated into a café to rival any on the high street. The café is furnished with leather sofas and co-ordinating bistro tables and Development Manager, Helen Knott, chairs, with art by school pupils on the said, “Tom Chastain attended Sutton walls. The state-of-the-art coffee ma- Valence for only one year, in 1954, com- chine grinds fresh beans to make any- ing here from the USA as an ESU stu- thing from expresso to latte. Although dent. The many happy memories of his staffed by the school catering depart- place to meet our friends.” friends and his experiences here re- ment, the students help run the café and mained with him when he returned to what is on offer. The opening ceremony was performed Florida. In TC’s we have been able to by John Evans (1953 W), President of create a calm, comfortable space where “The café is packed every break time”, the Old Suttonians Association, who re- Sixth Formers can relax and socialise says Marcus Newman, Head of School. membered TC's when it was the Tuck over newspapers and a cup of coffee. It “We are very lucky to have such a great Shop.
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Inventor of the Banoffi Pie Nigel Mackenzie (1962 C)
When we first opened The Hungry Monk Restaurant we changed the menu every day and the greatest problem was thinking of puddings. One day one of our waitresses came back from the West Country where she had been shown that if you boiled condensed milk for long enough – about 3 hours – it turned into some wonderful soft toffee.
I had a meeting with our Head Chef to discuss this discovery. We racked our brains for what we could do with this de- licious substance. Suddenly it occurred to me that it would be heavenly with Ba- nanas and Cream. He then went on to make a pie with exactly those ingredi- ents, a thick layer of the toffee mixture, then bananas sliced longways and then a thick layer of whipped cream with a dash of coffee in it. By the time he had finished making it we were just about to open for business and we hadn’t thought of a name for it. I said well as a tempo- portunity to protect it legally. It has business we are being inundated with rary name we would call it Banoffee Pie been the only pudding that we have emails and letters from people round being simply a portmanteau name of ba- never been able to take off the menu for the world with fond memories of their nana, coffee and toffee. That is what it 40 years and now that we have closed for first slice of Banoffi Pie. went on as the first night. Of course everybody asked all evening what it was and raved about it and we quickly re- alised that it was about the most deli- Old Suttonians in the cious pudding we had ever made.
It therefore remained on the menu al- Catering Industry most every night for weeks. The recipe remained a secret for about a year and a Peter Baker (1971 F) Managing Direc- Flic Roberts (née Lynes) (1996 V) has 12 half and then we produced our second tor, Maple Leaf Bakery UK: years of food innovation experience as a cookbook. The Deeper Secrets of The www.mapleleaf.com product developer for two of the UK’s Hungry Monk, in which we gave the full leading food retailers, and more recently recipe. This book sold about 100,000 all Andrew Doree (1984 W) Proprietor and as the owner of Pinkpeppercorn Food round the English speaking world and it Chef of The Royal Oak, South Brent, Development; a small independent con- largely because of that that Banoffi (cur- Devon: www.oakonline.net sultancy providing food development ex- rent spelling) is now the most popular pertise to its clients, across the product named pudding in the world along with Timothy Field (1994 W) Sous Chef, development lifecycle, from concept to Tiramisu and Tarte Tatin. Corinthia Hotels: www.corinthia.com consumer. In addition, she also has a commercial buying and product packag- What we never gave a thought to was Gordon Griffin (1999 L) Assistant Man- ing background and won industry registering the trade mark of the name ager of Blink Restaurants, Canada: awards for the products she has devel- or copywriting the pudding. It quickly www.blinkcalgary.com oped. www.pinkpeppercorn.co.uk. went in to public ownership (and the Oxford Dictionary) and we lost the op-
12 July 2012
Rory Slater (1994 W) Executive Assis- Anthony Froggatt (1966 L) retired in Niels Sherry (1981 W) Managing Direc- tant Manager, Food and Beverage, The 2007 as CEO of the Brewing Group, tor at Sarment Ltd: www.thesherry- Ritz-Carlton Beijing Scottish and Newcastle plc. winecompany.com www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/beijing_fi- nancial. Robin Jones (1971 L) Sales Manager at Nigel Sinclair (1973 C) Director of Laytons Wine Merchants. www.lay- Wychwood Wines: www.wychwood- Susan Stagg (née West) (1994 V) is now tons.co.uk wines.co.uk Group Catering Manager at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Eric Miller (1964 L) Founded both Harry Willett (1989 W) Landlord of The Chaddsford Winery and Benmarl Vine- Black Horse, Monks Horton: Food and Drink writing yard and now works as a consultant for www.thebestpubintheparish.com winery projects. Eric has published his and publishing
Ghillie James (née Studd) (1993 V) worked for five years as Food Editor of Sainsbury's Magazine. Author of Fresh from the Freezer (2011) and Jam, Jelly and Relish (2010) which has, to date, sold approx 70,000 copies. She now writes a regular column for Food and Travel Magazine from her home in Sin- gapore and is midway through writing her third book which will be published Spring 2013. Books are sold through www.amazon.co.uk OS Brewing and Wine Industry
J Bruce Wilkinson (1967 M) Owner of Burton Bridge Brewery, Staffordshire. www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk
Robert Dockerty (1960 M) Director with Guy Beckett (1980 W), Marketing Man- ager of Larkins Brewery Ltd, Chidding- stone, Kent.
Richard Girling (1989 M) Fine Wine Sales Manager at John E Fells & Sons Ltd. www.fells.co.uk
Richard Green (1983 F) and James Green (1986 F) Owners of the Whit- stable Brewery. first wine book. The book, Vintner's www.hotelcontinental.co.uk Apprentice is widely available online and through book shops in the US and Are there any Edward Kentish-Barnes (1995 M) UK. Brewing Manager and Neil Jardine more of you out (1986 M) Director of Take Home and Gordon Milligan (1977 C) Swan on the Export at Greene King Plc. Green, West Peckham. Micro brewery: there? www.greeneking.co.uk www.swan-on-the-green.co.uk
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House Focus - Cornwallis
Top row from left
Trevor R Goulden, Sandy Cairns, Timothy J Eames, Quentin W Tweedie, David V Hole, Victor E Bentley, Guy S Farrow, Christopher MacDonald Gerald P Mann, Roger J Penfold, Derek E Strange, Richard J Harvey, Raymond B Tyerman, Richard I Midmer, David J Molyneux, Graham M Squires, Andrew C Baldwin, Mark P Stone Christopher A Pearson, Roger J Fryer, Jonathan J Simpson, David J Allaway, Michael G F Hudson, Michael G Moore, ?, Richard D C Willis?, Charles C Coller?, James Thompson Martin Sealey, Colin G Hosmer, Christopher J Woods, Paul Medway, Roderick D Bankier, Clive N Langrick, Peter D Basser, Christopher B Wheeler, David M Harber, Philip J Hewitt Peter Milovsoroff, Frederick A B Clement, Nigel A Mackenzie, Peter A Hunt, Brian Vibert, Mr Fairbank, Mrs Goodwin, Robert J Nella, Miles M Shepherd, Nigel R Collins, Simon J Lyne James D Leonard, ? , John R Harris, Mike P Strange, John J Krivine, Richard I Brooks, James H F Daly, John A B Wise, Peter J French
Names in italics, sadly deceased
14 July 2012
Boarding has been an essential part of (Wellington) tie and a warm reception soon caught up in the fiercely partisan the Sutton Valence School ethos for followed. He still didn’t let them near house spirit, championed by head of longer than anyone can remember. us!” house Peter Hunt, and evidenced by Cornwallis doing better-then-expected This year marks three anniversaries in Sandy Cairns (1964 C) – “Most of us in in inter-house competitions. our boarding history – 100 years since the house photo first tested the board- the opening of the houses we now know ing waters by dipping our toes into the “And Michael Fairbank encouraged us as Westminster and St Margaret’s, 50 venerable facilities provided in one of all, whatever our limitations, to max- years since Cornwallis was built, and 25 the older boarding houses before mak- imise our talents. He also helped civilise since the opening of Sutton (our only ing the choice to throw our lot in with the older boys, by inviting prefects to de- boarding house for girls). the shiny new creation. licious dinner parties beautifully pre- pared by his wife Susan. We were The School invited former pupils to cel- “Although many will have had strong at- allowed a glass of cider, and it was the ebrate these boarding milestones at a tachments and affection for their former first time I’d tried profiteroles!” hog roast and drinks party at the begin- house, perhaps it was that sense of per- ning of July. sonal choice, even more than the new- David Hole (1963 C) - Most of us had ness of it all, that gave Cornwallis a been in other houses, however we all be- Members of the first intake at Cornwal- distinct character and identity of its own came a member of Cornwallis from the lis were asked to share their memories from the word go. very start. We seemed to have a lot of with The Old Suttonians Newsletter: boys with very special personalities that “I'm sure that, along with me, many will gave the house an immediate character John Cox (1963 C) (American exchange be thinking of Michael Fairbank as the all of its own. student) – “Cornwallis was not at all 50th anniversary is celebrated. There what I expected from a school founded could have been no better person to set “There was never a feeling of being the in the 16th century! a new house on the road to success than ‘new house’; it felt as though the house its first housemaster. had been around for years, except that “Red blankets, little central heating but everything was very shiny and new. the first heated towel racks I had ever “Michael and Susan brought more than seen. Beautiful gardens……. a whiff of civilisation, urbanity, culture “Over the years I shared shows with Tim and good sense to the scene, strong Eames, Fred Clement and, in my last “Extremely friendly (but curious) house- enough even to overcome the adoles- year, Quentin Tweedie, who introduced mates, a matron who graciously sewed cent propensity to disregard all these me to Elvis; little did I know that I would name tapes into my school things - and even the ghastly ‘niff’ of later spend many years working in Mem- uniform….and leading the house in the Vesta curries and chow mein which were phis where the knowledge would prove school singing competition (which we the snacks of choice for the privileged useful. didn’t win). She also helped me fix a pair who had access to the show kitchens! of school trousers to fit over the cast on Happy days.” ”I will always value and remember the my leg which I broke playing rugby. kindness and leadership of Michael Fair- Richard Harvey (1963 C) – “It was no bank, who truly cared for all the boys “Mr Fairbank, our housemaster, was the surprise that an American like John Cox under his care. classic example of an ex-British army of- was unimpressed with the modest cen- ficer and treated me probably better tral heating in Cornwallis, but it was one “Looking at that first year photograph than I deserved. of the prime reasons I defected from of Cornwallis reminds me of the passage Westminster! of time, especially when looking at the “One memory that does stick in my list of those who have passed away. To mind: one day a rather tired automobile “After three years enduring chilly nights me, they will always be young and pulled into the Cornwallis parking lot, in Westminster’s dorms (all windows healthy. and two shaggy young men emerged and open, at all times), I thought a little win- walked towards the house. ter warmth atop Sutton Valence hill “No one will ever have the opportunity wouldn’t go amiss, and so I became one that I had to spend my last school days “Mr Fairbank would have none of this, of the first intake to Cornwallis. with such a great bunch of boys, and be as he wanted, I assume, to protect us, the first to call Cornwallis home.” and headed directly towards them to “There were other attractions too – in- fend them off. He pulled up very short dividual study booths in the senior day- Richard Mant (1961 M) – “I had a small however, when he noted that one of room, and comfortably equipped shows. hand in helping Cornwallis in its infancy. them was wearing his own school “I only felt mildly traitorous, and was I used to look after the first Cornwallis
15 Old Suttonians Newsletter
boys when they were based in the Sana- for me it was not a chore, and I found it that I was cut out to be a schoolmaster in torium in Summer Term 1961. an interesting experience. the years to come, but I didn't, and ca- reers guidance of any sort was in its in- “I used to go down to the Sani in the “I was also well aware of the responsi- fancy in those days.” evening, have a chat with the boys, see bilities attached to this duty, and felt it them into bed, lights out etc. I suppose was a rather special thing to be asked to it was one of my duties as a prefect, but do. Perhaps I should have realised then Old photographs Shooting Team 1962
In the photograph, Robert Coutts is flanked by team captain Company Quartermaster Sergeant Frostick (1963 L) and Corporal Rutter (1963 L). Lynden-Bell (1965 L) is seated on the far left and in the back row Christopher Beglin (1963 L) is third from right and David Luget (1963 L) is far right.
16 July 2012
Cross Country Team 1941
In the photograph, top from left James Dunsmuir (1942 W), Richard H Wylie (1943 W), Jack Carter (1944 W), John F Bon- gard (1942 W), Alan M Sloan (1943 W). Front from left Ralph D Bentley (1942 W), Edward V Beaton (1941 M) and Robin J Burns (1941 M). Sutton Valence School’s Olympians 1920 – 2012 Six Old Suttonians have competed in the Winter Games in 1940 but these were in Antwerp, finishing fourth in the final modern Olympics, first held in Athens cancelled because of World War II. A of the 800m and also in 1924 in the in 1896. The first competed in the further one has represented us as an ad- ‘Chariots of Fire’ Olympics, Paris. Games of 1920 and the most recent has ministrator. competed in 2008. One of these was at He was a brilliant junior who finished the Winter Games, in 1980. Two more Edgar D Mountain (1919 W) was the fourth in the 1920 Olympic 800 metres Old Suttonians were selected for the first. He competed in the Games of 1920 final (aged 19) with a new UK junior
17 Old Suttonians Newsletter
record of 1:54.6. On his return from year before he died, in December 2006, selection was for the GB Bobsled team Antwerp, he matched his Olympic per- aged 92. in Helsinki in 1940. formance by winning the Surrey AC 880 yards Club Championship in 1:55.4. A Jack R C Gannon CBE MVO (1901) was He was just beginning to make a name Cambridge blue, he won the 880 yards a soldier and a horseman. As a young for himself, both academically and against Oxford in 1921-22, having fin- man he was a famous Polo player ob- sportingly, in this School when his career ished second in 1920-21. He was at his taining a handicap of 7 in that sport; ended abruptly after a high spirited, ri- best in Stockholm in September 1921 today those with a handicap of 5 or more otous jape came to the attention of the when he set a new world best for 500 are usually professional players. He was Headmaster. According to Collins, metres. In his second Olympics he was Chef d’équipe of the GB Polo team and along with a couple of others: “We had eliminated in the semi-finals of the 800 manager of the Equestrian Team for the raided one of the adjacent allotment yards in 1924 and this effectively ended 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He was born in sheds and made a pile of apples and his athletic career. He began his work- India and after starting out with the eggs. We were firing at it with the ing career in the British Museum, but in South Staffs. Regiment in 1902 he trans- owner’s 12 bore shotgun when, unfortu- 1927 migrated to South Africa, joining ferred to the Indian Army in which he nately, he appeared.” Any irregular ex- the Geology Department of Rhodes served with great distinction throughout ploits remained undetected in his new University, becoming the Professor in the war in Europe and later school (Dulwich), for which he repre- 1930, a post he held until retirement in Afghanistan. During his time in India he sented at Shooting and as a member of 1969. He was President of the Geologi- regularly played first class cricket for the 1st XV Rugby. He became the Cap- cal Society of South Africa and during a one of the regions of that country and on tain of Athletics and was a School Pre- distinguished career as a geologist, he return to the UK he often played for the fect there. He went on to become a discovered several new minerals, one of MCC against a variety of opponents. surgeon in the Navy and afterwards a which, Mountainite, bears his name. He After the Army he served as Manager very good dentist. Somewhere along the died in April 1985 aged 84. and Secretary of the Hurlingham Club, line he changed his name to Roy Dun- but in 1939 was recalled to the colours stan. He remained all through his event- Sydney C Wooderson MBE (1933 W) and served as Military Secretary to Lord ful life a man of rare and valuable wit, was an athletics icon in the late 1930s Allanbrooke and later Field Marshal the use of which occasionally landed him and 40s and an inspiration to Gordon Montgomery. He retired in 1949 with in hot water. He died in June 1996. Bannister, who was the first to run the the rank of Brigadier. During his service mile in under 4 minutes. He competed in India he had been a major force in or- Peter V L Marchant (1938 M) competed in the Games of 1936 in Berlin despite a ganising the tour of that country by the in the games of 1948 in London (Bisley). severe injury to his ankle. He was an Prince of Wales in 1921. It was for this He was a record holder in pistol shoot- odds-on favourite to win, but the injury that he received his MVO. After WWII ing and regularly competed for GB for ruined his chances. His nickname in he spent most of his time working with several years thereafter. Athletics circles was ‘The mighty atom’ – Lord Cowdray re-establishing Polo and a reflection of his diminutive stature, but became its major administrator. He Peter's event was the 50 metre free pistol immense power. He inspired a whole died, aged 97, in 1980. consisting of a team of three. In those generation of English runners and Ban- less regulated days (before pistol shoot- nister, perhaps the most famous of The two athletes selected for the aban- ing was ‘outlawed’ in this country) one those, says this of him: “He was a mod- doned 1940 Winter Games in Helsinki was allowed to keep firearms at home est man, bespectacled, wearing a Black- were: and he built his own pistol range on the heath Harriers vest and running with a farm for practice. On the outbreak of rather restricted arm action but ab- Thomas H Clarke (1937 M), who was to WWII a perforated eardrum meant he solutely strong. He dominated British have competed in Helsinki in 1940 in was unfit for active service, so he be- middle distance running from his days as skiing events. Unfortunately, nothing is came a Bomb Disposal Officer instead. a schoolboy until in his 40s.” known by us of his life beyond these After the war he returned to the family walls. His time at the School was short business of farming and over the years He held a large number of records dur- and he left in the Fourth Form at a built it up into a thriving concern, whilst ing his career, most noticeably the young enough age so as not to figure in at the same time diversifying into demo- World’s 800 metres, 880 yards and the the annals of that time, and once he left lition work and explosives distribution. Mile. On retirement he had run the he did not make any real attempt to He spent much time with the boys of the seven fastest miles by a British runner keep in touch with us. School Shooting team, both in rifle and and 15 of the world’s fastest – remark- pistol and during the period of his help, able. Away from the athletics field he Rodney H Collins aka Roy Dunstan the School won the Gale and Polden Pis- was a solicitor. He opened the School’s (1938 DB/F) represented GB in the 440 tol Trophy several times. In 1976 he mi- Sports Hall, named in his memory, the yards hurdles in 1939, but his Olympic grated to South Africa and took
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employment with the South Africa Ex- sports career started. Neil writes: Olympic experience he competed with plosives Company. However, sadly “When I heard about Luge on the radio the England team in the World Cup and within 18 months he was struck down by I telephoned around and managed to in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi cancer and died in September 1977. find out that a small team of four new in 2010. They finished fourth in both sliders had been chosen to go to an tournaments. Paul R Anderson OBE (1952 W) is our event in Kufstein in Austria. After a lot medallist. He competed in the 1968 of persistence it was finally agreed I Ashley has more than 60 caps for Eng- Olympics in Mexico (Acapulco) as a could go out and join them. I could nei- land and more than 40 for Great Britain. sailor in the 5.5 metre class alongside ther afford to get out there nor the cost At School, he showed enormous talent Robin Aisher and Adrian Jardine. of a hotel, so I hitchhiked from King’s as a wicket keeper-batsman for the 1st College London (where I was a medical XI and of course played 1st XI hockey After National Service, during which student) to Kufstein and persuaded one for several years. Out of School he time he managed to play a lot of OS and of the team to let me kip on the floor. I began his career with East Grinstead club cricket as well as playing rugby for was given an old sled whilst the new Hockey Club, making the 1st team in the Harlequins and Surrey, he was in- team members had smart new ones. Lit- 2003, at the age of 16! He moved to vited to sail ‘big boats’. He prepared for, tle did they know at the time that the Holland in 2008 where he played pro- then raced in, the Americas Cup be- new sleds they had were much harder to fessionally for the club side HGC. Re- tween 1959 and 1964. He was on board drive until they were set up properly, cently he has returned to East Grinstead ‘Sovereign’, as captain under Sir Peter whilst my little old one was perfect. I and is delighted to be part of the 2012 Scott, in the year she made the unsuc- went on to beat them all and win a tro- Olympics, after all the hard work he has cessful attempt to bring the trophy back phy for the top foreigner in the race.” put in. "I'm very happy to be selected for to this country. The experience was most He went to the Olympics as British and the Olympics," he said. "Ever since we useful when he teamed up with Aisher North American Champion and it was played the Test Event in front of a home and Jardine for the four-year plan to felt he had a good chance for a medal, crowd it's been very exciting to imagine represent GB in the Olympics in Mexico but needed to be consistent in his times how great the home support will be this in the 5.5 metre class. They were suc- to achieve that goal. The East Euro- summer. It has been a long, long few cessful in their qualifying and went to peans were more consistent, and faster. years of training and many highs and Mexico. Heavy winds in the first two of lows during that period, but I'm feeling the seven-race series put them at a dis- Neil retained his strong interest in sport. very confident about our chances over advantage, but they steadily climbed He became vice-chairman of The British the summer.” We wish him luck! through the ranks; the last race began Olympic Committee. Competing at this poorly for them, but they made a storm- level gave Neil an intro into the world of ing finish and managed to secure the sport’s administration and sports medi- Bronze medal. Anderson continued to cine administration and he was lucky race yachts with Aisher, successfully, at enough to have a great career in the vol- Cowes, and also became Life Chairman untary sports administration world. He of Harlequin Old Players Association. worked his way up to becoming the Vice He retained his links with the Olympic Chair of the British Olympic Associa- movement, being a founder member of tion (BOA), the Chief Medical Officer the British Olympics Association, and for the International Luge Federation Chairman of that body from 2004 – and the Chair of the UK National Sports 2007. He has recently retired from the Medicine Institute. post of Director General of the Special Olympics for W. Europe and is currently Ashley S Jackson (2005 M), described Vice President of Special Olympics GB. once as ‘the David Beckham of Hockey’ and in the Daily Telegraph in April 2012 Neil W N Townshend (1973 F) competed as ‘the best hockey player in the world’, in the Luge event in Lake Placid, USA competed at the Beijing Olympics in in 1980. He was an all-rounder at China in 2008. The GB team came fifth. School, but a failed Under 19 Southern Counties rugby trial persuaded him to He made a big impact on the English follow up a radio interview he heard on Hockey scene from an early age. Now, the way home, about the sport of Luge. aged 24, he has a European Gold medal Having hitchhiked to Austria in re- under his belt and was named Interna- sponse to the radio interview a trial on tional Hockey Federation’s ‘Young the ice proved successful and a new Player of the Year’ in 2009. After the
19 Old Suttonians Newsletter News of Old Suttonians ANDERSON, George (1983 W) BEADON, Colin (1948 L) work and has progressed to his current Continues to work with his wife Judi Colin wrote to us to tell us that he is situation - internet, web design, data in family business (independent finan- very well and fit. He is mentioned on conversion and web site maintenance cial advice). Has 2 children, Rebecca google, as Colin Leslie Beadon as he (even though now ''semi-retired"!). His and Robert. He keeps reasonably fit writes odds and ends. You can also last company folded and he went back to and very involved in the local church. catch him on Skype under his skype working for himself in 1997- more R & name ‘Theywillbeadon’. D, then transition to intranet work. BAILEY, John (1956 M) Sadly my wife Rosemary died in Octo- BEGLIN, Chris (1963 L) Having relocated to Pennsylvania ber 2001 but now have a lovely partner U.S.A in 2000, to remarry, Chris contin- Jane who shares my interests in painting ues to follow his computer work. He is and pottery. We are enjoying our life to- fortunate to (by chance) have a son live gether in rural Gloucestershire where I only 24 miles away - along with three have my studio and from where I run my grandchildren. His daughter still lives in watercolour painting courses here and Hertford, UK and there he also has two abroad. I have a big exhibition of paint- grandchildren. ings and pottery each year in November at the studio in aid of Cancer Research. Chris still follows the old School's Raised nearly £6000. My website: progress over time however and greatly www.johnbaileyart.com. appreciates getting the news periodi- cally.
BEST, David (1980 F) After leaving SVS he gained a David is Director of a computer soft- diploma in Osteopathy from the British ware company, Proquis Ltd. School of Osteopathy (DO. MRO.). He practised as an Osteopath from 1967 to BICKLEY, Jeffrey (1987 W) 1974 as DO. MRO. (which ceased due Jeffrey is Managing Director of insur- to his own back trouble!). Chris was ance brokers – Bickley Insurance Serv- Clinic Superintendent at the British ices Ltd. Married to Fiona since 1990 School of Osteopathy from mid-1975 to and has two children Ellen (16) and BAKER, Alexander (2010 W) mid-1977. He also had a short term fill Joshua (13). Spent a year as the Club Manager at in job in audio-visual equipment, early the British Embassy in Kuwait and is 1975 until mid-1975 and short term work BOWCOCK, Timothy (1984 C) now at the University of Dundee study- for 6/12 as night station manager, Capi- Timothy found himself on our missing ing for an MA in American History with tal Radio, London, from mid-1974 to list and re-established contact. He has Business Economics. the end of 1974. He started his own lived in Melbourne, Australia for the last business involving engineering and elec- 20 years and is married with an eight BANCE, Nigel (1966 C) tronics, late 1977. In 1992 - 1995 he year old daughter. Tim works for a bulk Is now working as a writer, journal- gained a 2.1 Bachelor degree in Me- shipping/operating company called ist/publisher. chanical Engineering/Systems from Ply- Maestro Shipping. mouth University and Chris worked BARTLETT, Brian (1959 F) from 1995 until approximately 1997 with BRIGGS (née Manchett), Emma Is now retired and living in Essex and a Plymouth company as R & D engi- (2002 H) Devon. neer, using his BEng Systems degree. Worked at NatWest Bank for 1 year, Since 1997, he has continued intranet then for father’s business for two. Had
20 July 2012
a year off to focus on golf and handicap CAPON, Edmund (1958 L) tion; created the Gallery’s highly suc- came down to 5. Married to Lee in 2006 cessful Foundation, a Capital fund, to and son, Harrison born in December Dr Edmund acquire works for the Collection; has cu- 2010. Is still in contact with Amy Fowler Capon AM rated exhibitions encompassing Asian, (2003 L), Greg Forde (2001 L) and OBE, retired European and Australian art; has writ- Susan Talbot (2001 V). Amy has a little in December ten extensively on Chinese art & ar- boy and Susan is expecting twins. 2011. Before chaeology and on the work of artists this time, Ed- such as Jeffrey Smart, Caravaggio and BUCK, Bill (ex-staff) mund was Di- Giacometti. After 14 years at SVS, involved with rector of the rugby, cricket and hockey, I am now Art Gallery of His most recent publication is a col- coaching the Prep School 1st XV of New South lection of essays entitled I Blame King’s College, Cambridge and living Wales since November 1978 following Duchamp: My Life’s Adventures in Art near Saffron Walden. his arrival from London where, for the which was launched in November 2009 previous five years, he held the position by Penguin Australia. BURNS, Robin (1941 M) of Assistant Keeper, Far Eastern Sec- In March 2011, Robin returned to the tion, Victoria and Albert Museum. He is an avid Chelsea supporter and School from Canada for a visit with his was Chairman of Sydney Football Club daughter. He attained a Master of Philosophy 2006-2007. Degree in Chinese Art and Archaeology CAMPEY, Richard (1974 F) (including language) from London Uni- He was awarded the Doctor of Letters Is now Managing Director of “The versity’s Department of Oriental and honoris causa from UNSW in 2000 and One Shop Nature Shop” and has re- African Studies with his thesis entitled: from Macquarie University in 2010 and cently reconnected with Richard Un- The Inter-dependence of Chinese Bud- he has been honoured by the govern- derhill (1974 F). Richard is married dhist Sculpture in Bronze and Stone ments of Britain, France, Italy and Aus- with one child aged 9. from AD386 to 581, and is a recognised tralia for his contribution to art and world expert in his particular field. culture. CANDY, Michael (1952 W) When Michael Candy recently re- In October 2003 opened the Art CARTER, W Brian (Croix de Guerre) ceived a copy of one of the school choir Gallery of New South Wales’ rebuilt (1941 M) CDs it brought back happy memories of Asian galleries and in May 2011 opened I gave up my small watch repair busi- playing the organ in the chapel. new and refurbished modern and con- ness in 2010 and now restore antique temporary galleries, which included ded- clocks. I wrote several books, one Saved And for those who think the series of icated display space for the Kaldor by the Bomb. In 1990, I retired from SVS choir CDs are a recent develop- Family collection. being a marine surveyor and in 1978 I ment, Michael said that three recordings sold Buckden Marina and gave up were made in 1949, although the wax Mr Capon is a Conjoint Professor in standing as a County Councillor. In was so flimsy that a spin on his old wind the School of Languages and Linguis- 1970, I was awarded the 1970 Country- up, horn gramophone nearly proved ter- tics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, side Award for an outstanding contribu- minal! UNSW; is on the Board of the St James tion to the countryside, presented to me Ethics Committee; has written exten- by the Duke of Edinburgh. In 1964, Michael’s schooldays experiences sively on the arts of China; written and Buckden Marina, which I had built, was playing the chapel organ led him to a presented a three-part ABCTV-China officially opened. This was an offspring lifetime’s interest in the instrument, and Central Television co-produced docu- from a small boatyard that I started in he’s even built a theatre pipe organ at mentary entitled Meishu: Travels in Chi- 1949. I was demobbed in 1946, having his home (which he’s appropriately nese Art which has been distributed been the Skipper of a heavy craft in the named ‘Sound of Music’) in Hemel worldwide; developed the AGNSW as a Japanese Campaign. This followed my Hempstead. centre for Asian art display and educa- craft being destroyed on the Normandy
21 Old Suttonians Newsletter
beaches after 7 landings, having landed CRADDOCK, Timothy (1984 F) DOVETON-GERTY, Chris (1955 L) on D-Day. I met Higgins who was on a Joined Network Rail in 2011. He was rocket ship, also 3 school friends from previously with RBS for 10 years as HR my prep school. I was commissioned in Director for two divisions. He lives in 1943 and under training met Mr Miller Bromley, married to Jo, and has 2 sons, our Physics Master who was teaching us Alex (aged 8) and Eddie (aged 6). navigation. The training was hard and I had to serve on a heavy cruiser for a CRAWFORD, Kenneth (1957 F) short time in order to get the necessary Has finally retired from Dental Sur- experience before training for a com- gery and now living in Hartlip. mission. I had previously served as a dis- patch rider in the home guard on a pedal DENNING, James (1959 W) Chris has published his first novel, cycle and did a short apprenticeship as a Tim Shaw (Day Boy and Founders, ‘The Spanish Dream’. It is a watch maker when I left school. 1960) joined Jim Denning (Day Boy and suspense/thriller based on his personal Westminster, 1959) for the latter's 70th experiences and those of his many CHANCE, Veronique (1986 V) Birthday celebration at the Woolley friends who were tempted by buying a Veronique ran in the London Grange Hotel, Bradford on Avon on property in Spain. The book may be Marathon in April 2012. She is now a 14th January 2012. Tim Shaw is retired purchased through www.amazon.co.uk. freelance lecturer in Computer Art from an electrical engineering career in (Moving Images) in London. Her Great the Royal Navy and Balfour Beatty. Jim DUFFELL, Andrew (1995 M) Orbital Ultra Run (part of her Art Work Denning is retired from architecture in Has been appointed President and sponsored by The Arts Council and pre- both local authority and private practice. CEO of the Research Park at Florida sented in an exhibition at the Stephen They were class mates at SVS in Sep- Atlantic University. Lawrence Gallery, Greenwich) involved tember 1952 in Form 2 under A G filming what was in front of her as she Foulkes (Master) who also started there EDWARDS, John (1988 F) ran round the inside of the M25 Motor- that term. John is working for ICAP, the world’s way. This was completed in nine stages largest interdealer broker, based in Lon- (an average of 16 miles a day per stage) Tim and his wife Cilla celebrated their don. He manages a sales team and runs with the film beamed into the gallery Ruby wedding anniversary at the Na- the Electronic Broking Division for whilst she was running. tional Liberal Club in 2011. Tim and fixed income in Europe, Middle East Jim, Cilla and Marguerite meet from and Asia. CLIFTON (née Dudley-Smith), Jes- time to time for lunch at different ven- sica (2002 S) ues between their homes at Woking and EVENDEN, Simon (1981 F) Jessica is a community staff nurse Trowbridge. Retired from Boxley Tyres on medical working with North Wokingham and grounds in September 2011 and sold the Winnersh health visiting team. Jim thought the above may be of in- business. Now he is working for Fine terest to any of their contemporaries and Country, Cranbrook and Simon CLIFTON-HOLT (née Nesfield), who might have been in Form 2 with Miller Estate Agents. He married Laura (1999 V) them in 1952. Emma in 2003. They have a daughter Laura is now living in Aldington and Jolyon Evenden born August 2009 who in touch with many Old Suttonians. She DHUL, Rahil (2005 M) will be joining SVS Prep School in Au- is a Chartered Surveyor and married to Rahil has recently graduated from the tumn 2012. Alan. University of Sheffield with a BA Hons in Economics. He is currently undergo- FILMER, Paul (1988 W) COOK, Neville (1963 L) ing work experience at Citigroup with Went to University of Newcastle Neville recently re-established contact the aim of finding a graduate job in the Upon Tyne and studied Agricultural and is now living in Switzerland. near future. Biochemistry and Nutrition gaining a 2:1. For the past 6 years he has been
22 July 2012
running his own IT business and work- in New York he went on to work with four days later to England. As you will ing as an IT contractor primarily for various consumer goods companies in read below he spent time in Ghana in Hewlett Packard in network design and marketing and general management the British Army in 1947. Over to installation. Previously he worked for roles in various parts of the world until John… the government in London also in the IT retiring in late 2007 as CEO of the Field. He married Sue in South Africa Brewing Group, Scottish and Newcastle Reading of your wonderful work in (2002) and has 2 children Katie (8 ½ plc. Ghana I am full of admiration that years) and Abigail (4 years). Currently someone is helping the curse of plastic he lives in the Cotswolds. He also does Tony now lives in his home city of Syd- trash. The world is a frightening place a bit of photography (weddings and por- ney in Australia with his wife and keeps when one sees pictures of the vast accu- traits) on the side. himself reasonably busy sitting on the mulation of plastic brought together by Boards of various Australian based in- wind and currents and floating mid Pa- ternational businesses. cific. At least we are all becoming more aware of the problem and we have our The article ‘Lambes House Focus’ in hessian carry bags and reuse the Tesco the previous newsletter stirred some old plastic bags at each shopping trip, doing memories for Tony and he wishes all our little bit to help. (well, maybe not all!) his old school- mates of that era well. However the thought of Ghana brought to mind a wonderful 18 month GIBSON, Norman (1949 W) spell 1945/46 serving with the RWAFF, Norman is now retired after managing Gold Coast Regiment. Posted to Accra The Angel Hotel in Midhurst for 18 my face didn’t fit in with the stuffy highly years. He has 3 children and 6 grand- formal colonial regimental life and I was children. All are engaged to be married soon on a troopship to Egypt where I with the exception of one. joined 18th. Infantry Garrison Com- pany providing around the clock guards GOLD, Stuart (1970 W) for ordnance depots, fuel stores and so FOX, Laurence (1993 M) Stuart wrote in after the article about on around Alexandria. It was there that Laurence is working for American himself and John Broad was featured in I met Bentley (42) when we played NASDAQ Strategic Advisory firm in the the last Suttonian. cricket on opposing teams and he was Benelux and Dacu markets. He keeps the only Old Suttonian that I have fit playing tennis, roller hockey and ski- I thought I would post this really in- (knowingly) met. ing. He now speaks fluent Portuguese. teresting email that I received from John Married to Nadja and his daughter, Is- Broad who, like me, went to Sutton Va- Late in ‘47 the company returned to abela was born in 2007. lence School in Kent; albeit a good 30 Takoradi and then to Kumasi by train. It years before I did. He left Sutton Va- was from there that myself and another FROGGATT, Tony (1966 L) lence in 1940 due to threatened invasion officer set out with three or four 3 ton- Tony joined the school from Australia and travel difficulties and was later ners full of excited demobbed soldiers to where he had briefly attended Geelong called up and plunged into a more in- deliver them to their home villages in Grammar before his father's job relo- teresting and dramatic era than my gen- the Northern Territories. Arriving at cated him to the UK. He has many eration can remember. At Sutton each village the scene was always of such memories of his three years at SVS, Valence he witnessed the crater of a joy that I really don’t think that they ever (mostly good!) bomb that fell very near the school and expected to see their son at home with when he finally left school he joined the them again. If we had accepted the hos- After gaining a Law degree at Queen British Army and was landed in Nor- pitality offered we should still be there I Mary College, London University and mandy on D-Day 1944 where he re- think. an MBA at Columbia Business School ceived minor wounds before returning
23 Old Suttonians Newsletter
All best wishes, weren’t we lucky to at- Europe and the US and promoting the and is now a lawyer in an office in Duis- tend such a great school. Sorry to have company’s interests throughout Eastern berg. bored you with my memories but such is Europe. old age!! De HARLEZ, Grégoire (2005 W) John Broad (1940 M) In 1978 he was appointed General Grégoire is creating and organising Manager of Arabian Exhibition Man- events in his home such as fairs, parades GRIEVE, David (1968 W) agement, a joint venture based in and theme restaurant. Last year, he or- After leaving SVS I had took further Bahrain, where he set up a programme ganised the 250th anniversary of propri- courses at Catford College and worked of international exhibitions. Two years ety in Belgium. To keep in touch with briefly for Barclays Bank before going to later he was seconded to the Dallas- his events go to www.espacedeulin.be or St John's College Durham, where I met based Society of Petroleum Engineers on Facebook – Château de Deulin. my future wife, Jane Pierssené, niece of where he helped organise events in the late Edward Pierssené, a former Houston and Beijing, China. HARRISON, Nigel (1970 M) master at the School who very sadly had Retired 3 years ago after 26 years as a taken his own life. Her cousin, the Revd An exhibition director of the Zim- GP in Cambridge. Nigel now indulges Jeremy Pierssené, was a regular visitor babwe company, Ian organised two himself in a feast of golf, travel and to School during my years through his Rural Development Technology Exhibi- cooking. His only current OS contacts work with Lymington Camps. Jane and I tions in Bulawayo in the early 80’s, while are his brother Gavin (1963 M) cur- married in 1976, the year of my Ordina- back in the UK he was awarded Young rently in New Zealand and Gerald Stee- tion. I served in three northern Dioce- Businessman of the Year in a competi- den (1968 M). Married to Frances with ses before retiring on health grounds in tion sponsored by The Builder Maga- 2 children, Guy and Erica. 1989. Jane was herself ordained in 2001, zine and the Association of Building and and has three rural parishes in Teesdale, Construction Manufacturers. HENDERSON, Lee (1983 L) Co Durham, where we live and is also a Currently runs an IT business 4Pro- Canon of the Cathedral. We have three Much of the later 80’s were spent in ductions Ltd and Project Director of grown up children and a granddaughter. the US as director responsible for six- Everest Recovery 2014 www.everestre- teen show titles held in six States. This covery.com. Lee has two children Harry I continue to serve in ministry as led to an eight year posting to Los An- (aged 9) and Martha (aged 2). health allows, and also write poetry geles where, as resident director, he or- which is both published and self-pub- ganised ART/LA, the International HICKS, Christopher (1991 F) lished. Contemporary Art Fair and several in- Christopher found himself on the ternational wine fairs in New York. missing list and contacted us. His career GRIMSHAW, Ian (1968 C) Head of has led him down the rural surveying School On returning to London, Ian became route and is a Rural Practice Chartered director of operations for events held at Surveyor (MRICS) and a partner of the NEC and Olympia. Before taking Fisher German LLP based in Market early retirement, he spent time re- Harborough, Leicestershire. Christo- searching shows in India and, as a con- pher’s main work area is Land Agency sultant, is presently working on The and manages farming estates both in India Art Fair, in New Delhi. England and Northern Ireland. He is married to Alex, a garden designer and Ian is a Liveryman of the City of Lon- they have two children, Oliver who is After spending time as an insurance don and was elected Master of the Wor- eight and Theo who is four months old. broker in Lloyds and as a management shipful Company of Tylers and trainee in RHM, Ian joined Mont- Bricklayers in 2009. HIGH, Desmond (1973 F) gomery Exhibitions in 1974 and spent Desmond High receiving Sky Sports much of his early career taking groups GÜLDENBERG, Oliver (2000 M) Coaches Award from commentator of British exhibitors to fairs throughout Studied Law at the University of Bonn David Lloyd during the Fourth Test be-
24 July 2012
tween England and India at The Kia qualified as a chartered accountant in ues given to me by SVS: independence Oval, having been nominated by Kent 1974. Much later in life, in 2003, I was of spirit, perseverance, and "my trust is Cricket Board, in the Outstanding Con- awarded an MBA through the Open in God alone". tribution and Services to Coaching. University. HOLE, John (1953 M) My wife Elizabeth is Australian. We We have regained contact with JJ married in Sydney in 1976 and have Hole (1953 M). He has been an avid spent 7 years living there. We have a steam enthusiast for many years and has daughter, Josephine, now aged 33. done sterling work for the Brede Engine Society (involved with the magnificent I have worked since 1974 in both UK pumping engines located in that village). and Australia, for The Financial Times, Recently he has published a book con- for Standard Chartered Bank, Lloyds' of cerning the engines and machinery of London, and then since 1993 as Finance HMS Belfast, that tourist attraction on HINE, Ruth (Ex-staff 2000-2007) Director of two Christian charities: Tear- the Thames. He spent most of his time fund and OMF (Overseas Missionary after school sailing as an engineer on BP Fellowship), both evangelical, both in- Tankers. After he paid off his last ship terdenominational, both operating he took up work in Shipping Registry, worldwide. inspecting ships’ engines etc. for safety certificates. I became a Christian in 1980 through the ministry of the Rev Dick Lucas at St HOLLINS, David (1984 C) Helens Church Bishopsgate in the City Lives in Tunbridge Wells, working in of London. Dick Lucas preached at SVS Retail and married to Laura with 2 girls, in the 1960's at the invitation of the then Isabella and Madeline. He keeps in chaplain, Rev David Gibson. touch with John Miller (1987 C) and David Critchley (1981 C). OMF was formerly the China Inland Mission, founded by Hudson Taylor in HOLLOWAY, Christopher (1950 M) 1865. In 1950 the new communist gov- We're just back from a cruise on the ernment expelled all the CIM mission- Queen Victoria, during which we visited aries, who then regrouped as OMF and Tenerife and took a tour to see Mount began the work of taking the gospel to Teide, some 12,000 feet high. Near the Ruth is living in the Sultanate of the other countries of East Asia, all of top, I fell to chatting with a very Pleasant Oman, working at The British School which had large Chinese minorities. Young Man on the same tour, and the Muscat, which her two children Peter During my period of service at OMF I conversation went: (10) and Susannah (7) attend. It has travelled widely in Asia, visiting the been five years since she left Sutton Va- headquarters in Singapore each year. Me: "So where are you from?" lence where she worked in the Geogra- Partly due to the foundation work of PYM: "Kent" phy Department and she still has the CIM, the church in China now numbers Me: "Ah, what part?" Year Book out on her coffee table in at least 70 million, making it the largest PYM: "You won't know it. a small vil- Oman for friends to look through, espe- Protestant church in the world. lage called Biddenden" cially as a lot of people choose the Me: "I do. I went to school at Sutton boarding option once their children I now serve at St Michaels Church, Valence" reach secondary school age. Blackheath Park London SE3 where I PYM: "So did I" preach and lead services. HINGSTON, Stephen (1966 W) Thus Chris Holloway (1950 M) caught After leaving Westminster in 1966, I I am very thankful for some of the val- up with Andrew Wingham (1997 L) in a
25 Old Suttonians Newsletter
rather unusual setting, and enjoyed a proved from ‘chronic’ to ‘individual and my brain has sunk to my navel. great chat all the way down! There must style’. From Leeds to Aberdeen (1967) be many such examples in the course of and Rowett Research Institute where I HUGHES, Gary (1973 F) time, but this was a first for me. achieved a PhD (energy metabolism in Invites you to an exhibition of his and ruminants), and a failed marriage. Ap- Alison Hughes work on Thursday, Au- HOLMES, Nicholas (2010 W) pointed to permanent staff, and worked gust 23rd (14.00-19.00), then to Wednes- Nicholas is currently in his second year on early weaning of pigs. Continued day, August 29th 2012 (10.00-19.00) at: at Teesside University studying per- some rowing and learnt to fly gliders. The Salt House Gallery, Norway formance for live and recorded media, Two years leave of absence (1978 – Square, St. Ives, TR26 1NB which is essentially acting and present- 1980) to work with T.R. Preston in Do- ing for TV and Film. He has recently minican Republic on feeding sugar cane The exhibition will include a range of been accepted into the New York Film to ruminants. Learnt bad spanish and new work comprising acrylic grey-tone Academy on the acting for film course something of just how much I didn’t stippling on canvas, landscapes in wa- which starts in July 2013 for 10 weeks. know about ruminant nutrition and de- tercolour, sketches /drawings and a com- He is currently involved in filming for 2 veloping countries (much well inten- prehensive field of hand crafted independent short films and a drama of tioned bad aid and bad advice is given). jewellery complimented by floral water- his own as well as helping to run film I also learnt a great respect for the dig- colours. There will be a large selection and acting workshops for children. nity and style of some very poor people. of items for sale at very reasonable Nicholas has also been accepted as a Visited Trinidad, Jamaica and Cuba on prices. model for DK modelling agency. work related things. Back to Rowett and working on protein requirements and HUNT, Ian (1983 W) HOVELL, Dickon (1958 L) appetite of ruminants. Started part time Has worked for Founding Manage- On leaving Sutton Valence, I worked teaching University of Aberdeen, and ment Group, Trioptima (Risk Manage- for a year on a farm in Sussex. Greedy spent time in Mexico at Autonomous ment Services) since 2002. Ian played alcoholic boss, however I volunteered University of Yucatan (Merida) – at one competitive rugby until 32, then retired for everything, and spent six weeks stage almost commuting. Also trips to to sample marathon running and these working with the thatcher, and a mar- Canada, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Zim- days some triathlon to keep fit. He still vellous six months with an old stockman babwe – work related. 1980 bought plays tennis and enjoys regular matches (well into his seventies). No one else small farm (36 ha) on Deeside near the with his wife and two children, Sherri, wanted to work with him, but after two small town of Banchory (about 30km Toby and Millie (15 and 13). Both weeks of biting my tongue I got on very from Aberdeen) where I now live. Now younger cousins, Robert and P J Hunt well with the old man and learnt much. all I do is let the grazing and admire the also attended the School and had a great When I went to look him up a year later views. Even though the imigrant Eng- time. Ian would love to hear from other I found that he had emigrated to Aus- lish are known as ‘white settlers’ I have OS. tralia to be with his son! For me, Uni- fantastic neighbours – both local and versity of Reading to read Agriculture. white settler. Left Rowett for full time HURRELL, Tom (2010 G) Excellent time. Shot small bore for uni, at University of Aberdeen which work Tom is currently studying Business and rowed (badly), debates and Pres of progressively tailed off (last student last Management at the University of Read- Union. That (last activity) taught me year). Now fully retired - apart from ing. how to manage a committee. Spent one paper refereeing and developing theo- summer vacation working on a farm in ries on ‘Life, The Universe and Every- JAMES, Ghillie (née Studd) (1993 V) France, and one hitch-hiking round thing’ – so be warned as to the latter Ghillie has now moved to Singapore North America. Thence to University of which are imposed on friends when I with her husband Andrew’s job with Leeds – worked (three years) on use of sense the slightest opening. Retirement Citibank. She has two children William whole body counting (K40) to estimate I define as ‘More time to do your own (4) and Jemima (2) and has written her body composition, and discovered pigs thing, annoy friends, mount hobby second cookery book “Fresh from the contained Cs137 (Soviet bomb tests). horses and hold forth to the young’. Freezer” which is being sold worldwide. York boat club where oarsmanship im- Sadly I have reconfigured corporally, Her early book “Jam, Jelly and Relish”
26 July 2012
came out in June 2010 and is midway is the Hon Treasurer of The League of Guildford Cathedral. through writing her third book which Friends of Odiham College Hospital will be published Spring 2013. and Winchester and Portsmouth Branch John has written several books about of The Rayer Book Society. architecture. JONES, Ian (1991 M) Ian now works for De Vere Hotels and MARSHMAN, John (1975 L) In 2011, he was invited by the leading Venues as Director of Group Sales. John found himself on our missing list architectural publishing house, Pa- and got in touch. He is now living in the padakis, to write a book revolving round KENTISH-BARNES, John (1992 M) US. his work in Oxford: The Stones of Ox- Currently Area Director of Finance ford, Conjectures on a Cockleshell. (pub- for Four Seasons Hotel London of Park MELVIN, John (1953 W) lished July 2011). Lane.
KLINGEMANN, Nikolaj (1995 M) Nikolaj is now an Engineer working for BMW Group Munich.
LANE, William (1978 W) William is now living in Surrey. He es- tablished a global company in 2010. He is now Executive Vice President for Go- rilla Corp.
LEAHY, Aled (2004 H) Currently two thirds of the way through an Open University History de- gree. Aled joined HSBC straight after finishing A Levels and is now Assistant Branch Manager in a Leeds branch. John has spent 40 years in private practice, practising as John Melvin Ar- LUK, Shirley Hiu Ying (2001 S) chitects and Town Planners. He has won John Melvin in the studio of Dick Reid, After leaving SVS, she studied Cos- many architectural awards: from the Ox- the sculptor of the Millennium Lion Project metic Science at the London College of ford Preservation Trust (2010), Royal in Burford, which John designed and was Fashion. Shirley is now married. One Fine Arts Commission (Building of the unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales. son born 2010 and a daughter born in Year Award), RIBA, Civic Trust and 2011. others. His most recent work has been for Wadham College Oxford and ob- Eton Observed (1998) and Whichford MACKLIN, Richard (1963 W) tained a planning consent for a £2M ex- and Ascott Observed (2008), both archi- Worked as a Chartered Surveyor from tension to the Holywell Music Room, of tectural analyses, with town planning 1969 to 2011. He has now retired from which he has completed Phase I. John’s commentary were published by Wysdom full time work and is beginning to come practice has been equally in the fields of Press. A monograph, John Melvin: Se- to terms with being an OAP! He hopes new build and of conservation. Housing lected Buildings and Projects was pub- to catch up with old school chums at the and urbanism has been a strong interest. lished by Zwemmer’s (1995). Middle Aged Spread reunion this year. For many years on the Bishop of Lon- Awarded the Sargant Fellowship at MARCHANT, Michael (1949 M) don’s Diocesan Advisory Committee for The British School at Rome in 1996, and Retired as Bursar, The Leys School, the Care of Churches, and was recently an exhibition of his paintings, Remem- Cambridge in 1990. Currently, Michael Chairman of the Fabric Committee at bering Rome, was subsequently held at
27 Old Suttonians Newsletter
The Prince of Wales’s Institute of Ar- book and doing a little consulting and a hind me and more credit goes to them. chitecture. lot of travel. One son still lives in Lon- (This sounds like some ridiculous Oscar don but other 3 are scattered so London speech for which I apologise and move Other exhibitions of his paintings have is only one stop between many vine- swiftly on). I purchased a flat in East included Etruscan Places, exhibited at yards, beaches and kids. London last April and now spend half the Architectural Association (2002) the week in the great city with the inten- and the University of St Andrews MILMINE CBE, Douglas (1939 W) tion of servicing existing London clients (2003); and also Roma, exhibited at the Retired to Eastbourne in 1986, before and additionally trying to gain more in Stone Gallery in 2003. then he was Anglican Bishop in the Capital.” Paraguay 1973-86, missionary in Chile, The practice continues, concentrating Archdeacon of Chile, Bolivia and Rome. “As an aside, I and my business part- on private client commissions and town Douglas served in the RAF from 1941- ner setup and operated a bar called planning consultancy. 45 as a Flying instructor in training com- Poppy Red in Birmingham and 5 years mand (POW 1943-45 Stalag Luft 3). He ago sold out to our partner after three John has been married to Julia for 37 married in 1945 to Rosaline and has 3 years and then bought two larger pubs years, and has two children: Lucy and sons, 1 daughter and grandchildren. in the suburbs (Hare and Hounds, Kings Charles. Lucy is a professional violinist Appointed CBE in 1983. Heath and Bulls Head, Moseley) which and Charles is solicitor. we recently sold with a successful exit. MORGAN, Nick (1993 W) However, not a sector I would revisit in MEMMOTT, Richard (1963 L) Started up a business in 1996 promot- the short term as we were blessed with Richard took voluntary redundancy in ing various nightclubs in Birmingham good fortune on all three occasions. It is 1995 and joined a small company which City Centre straight from University and one of the most competitive business finds lost assets and the people to whom went onto form a company in 2000 of- sectors and customer loyalty is very they belong. Played a lot of sport, fering full service agency services such fickle. Personally, I remain unmarried mainly hockey and ran OS hockey for a as Press Relations, Marketing, Design and no kids to date.” few years and captained Sevenoaks HC and Event Management. Nick ended 1st XI and veterans when they won Na- working with various music clients such OLDFIELD, Tom (2011 L) tional Knock-out over 50’s in 1999. He as the McKenzie Group now better Loughborough University has pre- now plays golf but retains connection known as the 02 Academy chain. This sented some unexpected challenges to with the hockey club via Vice-Presi- then led to looking after localised PR Tom as he states that it is a drastically dency. and Marketing for Vfestival and various different environment to the cocoon of other leisure sector clients. He then Sutton Valence. That said, Tom says that MILLER, Eric (1964 L) setup a corporate division and since has things are all in all going well in that he expanded into Europe with small offices is doing well academically and playing in both Paris and Barcelona. Nick states American Football for arguably the best that the environment is still very tough team in the country. The swimming is of and the goal in 2012 is to look at collab- too high a standard for Tom realistically orations with like-minded companies to compete, with the majority of the top particularly in London where they have teams being made up of Olympic hope- more and more clients. In the last cou- fuls. However, the fact that the entire ple of years Nick was fortunate to be ac- GB Olympic team will be based on cam- knowledged by Insider Magazine and pus from next month will doubtlessly won International Entrepreneur of the provide some good celebrity spotting for Only recent news is that he is leaving Year and by an organisation called him. He is now looking to join the Scuba day to day operations at the Chaddsford Birmingham Young Professional of the Diving society to qualify as an instructor Winery to write his first wine book (the Year winning Entrepreneur of the year. and to finding a way to resume his Span- Vintner's Apprentice, Quarry Books). Nick states: “However neither would be ish which he has been unable to do as Eric is thinking about the next wine possible without the amazing team be- part of his degree.
28 July 2012
PACA, Christina (2011 S) Trustee Charity, Tribunal Chairman. REVEST (née Le Grys), Phillipa Since 2009, he is Deputy Lieutenant (1995 V) Kincardineshire. He is married to Ann Phillipa is currently working as Pro- with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. ducer at The Creative Partnership in London. They specialise in film trailers PATEL, Deepak (1989 C) and home entertainment marketing and Deepak has contacted us recently. He she co-heads the Home Entertainment is happily married to Jal and has two department. Her clients include Sony daughters. He supplies beer throughout and 20th Century Fox. She helped run Tanzania, both from local breweries and the release of Avatar across Cinema and from imports through his affiliation with Home Entertainment, the biggest film Cristina with Ian Kay (1941 M) Diageo UK. marketing campaign of all time! Phillipa The British Psychological Society has lives in Muswell Hill with her husband awarded Cristina Paca a prize as the top- PAYN, John (1956 M) Olivier (see Marriages) and has an 8 performing Psychology A Level and John will be touring in the West Coun- year old step-daughter called Alice. Scottish Higher candidate in the UK. try in 2012. The prize consists of the British Science RICHARDS, Ben (2007 M) Association Student Bursary to attend De PINNA, Peter (1956 W) In August 2011, with two friends, cy- the Festival of Science, a copy of the So- Is Hon Secretary of Public Schools cled 1164 miles from Bournemouth to ciety's Book of the Year, a year's free Old Boys Golf Association since 1970 Copenhagen raising £1050 for the student membership of the Society and a (Grafton Morrish) and Hon Secretary Stroke Association. He is now working certificate. Cristina, who came to the (full time) for Piltdown Golf Club. freelance in web and graphic design. School from Romania in 2009 as an HMC Scholar, has recently gone up to PRICE, Richard (1962 L) ROPER, John (1950 M) St Catherine's College, Cambridge to Thinking about retirement having John worked for 27 years as an inde- read Politics, Psychology and Sociology. been a solicitor, a barrister and now a pendent retail stationer trading from We send our congratulations and wish judge – a career in law spanning 40 premises in the centre of Deal that still her every success. years; one of the first solicitor Assistant trades as ‘John Roper’ and retired 1996. Recorders (part time judges) to be ap- A member of the Independent Moni- PACKARD, Trey (1999 M) pointed (in 1985) and so have been sit- toring Board at Dover Immigration Re- Trey recently re-established contact. ting as a judge part and full time for over moval Centre for 16 years. In December He is living in the US with his wife, Car- a quarter of a century. Richard has been 2011, completes 6 years as Chairman. oline, and has recently welcomed a son married for 40 years and has 3 children Voluntary but Home Office appoint- (see births). and 3 grandchildren. ment.
PARKIN (née Sisley), Emily (1995 V) PYE, John (1941 M) SCOTT, Andrew (1971 F) Is working as a Paediatric Speech and John had a brief career in RAF until It has been 41 years since Andrew cap- Language Therapist for Medway Com- V J Day put a stop to that. Returned to tained 1St XV and won 9 games out of munity Healthcare. She is married to farming, finally working for the Milk 12, drew 1 and lost 2; his coaches were Neil with daughter, Sophia Elizabeth, Marketing Board. He bought Alderholt Bob Chance and John McCormick. born 2008. Mill in 1976, restoring it to working again, together with a craft centre and During that season he played for PARKINSON, F A Ian (1958 L) sold it in 1996 upon second retirement. Kent, London and finally England Was an Articled Clerk – accountancy He is engaged in voluntary activities, Schools v France at Leeds in April 1971. firm for five years, then was in the Royal particularly church and singing (choral) They won 16-6. Andrew’s England Navy as an Aviator and Ships Captain. as a hobby. Schools cap is in Lambe’s. He became a Management Consultant and Dutch Honorary Consul and a The School’s best win was at Dover
29 Old Suttonians Newsletter
College when they won 17- 13 with only (Big Steak, Wacky Warehouse etc). advantage. He applied for an internship 13 players, two were injured and there After a brief period in Consultancy he abroad with a small company in Amer- were no subs in those days, the Dover joined Cogent - a Marketing and Adver- ica. Within a week after he had taken Headmaster was furious which they en- tising Agency and Consultancy based in up his job, he was informed that the joyed greatly. Andrew ended up at Meriden. In 2000 he left Cogent fol- company was in fact going bankrupt. scrum half which for a number 8 was not lowing a heart attack and ran his own He had brought a selection of ties with easy. SVS kept going blind (sorry Rugby consultancy business until a further him over from France with which had expression) so their backs never saw it heart attack in 2006, when it was defi- planned to raise money for his return for the whole second half. Andrew can nitely time to slow down! Finally he re- ticket. He realised it was maybe already remember the game so vividly after all tired in 2009, and now devotes his time time to give this idea a chance and set these years. SVS celebrations at the to playing the guitar nearly competently off walking the streets, selling his ties final whistle only made the Dover HM (was taught my first chords by Gavin from door to door. more angry; they had reached half term [GBL] Harrison,1967 M), photography unbeaten. SVS lost to Hurstpierpoint and most recently, model railways. Fur- Eight years after these first steps in and Emanuel in the second half of term ther signs of senility and/or second child- North Carolina, Vicomte A is now a as they badly missed one of the players, hood will follow! More seriously, Philip total look brand which aims at offering a fast winger who had broken his wrist has written Brief Histories of Britain men, women and children the opportu- at Dover. Andrew saw him at SV in and Ireland, targeted at adults who now nity to be elegant differently thanks to March 2011, at the OS dinner and was wish that they'd paid more attention in quality products. The colourful and ir- told by him that the game against Dover History Lessons at school. reverent brand is now present on three was his last, he played hockey after that. continents with almost 400 outlets: 25 His name is Nigel Swaffer (1971 F). SLATER, Rory (1994 W) official stores (St Tropez, Megève, After that, to Loughborough and then Currently works in Hotel Manage- Deauville, Paris, Bordeaux,...) multi- Wasps whom he still supports. ment for 5 star hotels, in London. brands and corners in department stores. Strong of a 14 million Euros Two members of that school team are DE SOULTRAIT, Arthur (1997 W) turnover for 2011, the objective for Vi- still good friends (prop, Peter Baker comte A in 2012 is to break into new (1971 F), former Head of School and fly markets thanks to new outlets (espe- half, Tony Sheridan (1971 F) and they cially in Asia, Middle-East and USA) meet up from time to time. and new accessories collections. www.vi- comte-a.com SHELDON, Philip (1967 M) Left Oxford 1971 and immediately joined RHM. He was promoted rea- sonably rapidly through a series of Mar- keting, Sales and Strategic Development/Planning roles but left in 1983 to join a consultancy, before being SWARBRICK, David (1979 W) offered the role of Marketing Director David has recently bought a planta- of Bass Plc. This took Philip, wife and tion near Kandy in Sir Lanka. If there daughter to the Midlands (King's Brom- are any Sri Lankan Old Suttonians, do ley near Lichfield) where he was in get in touch through Rebecca Riggs (rig- charge of about a dozen Beer Brands, [email protected]). including Carling Black Label ('I Bet He Drinks ...... ' Ad campaign) and Ten- THORNHILL, Christopher (1968 L) nents. In 1990 he moved from Bass to Arthur fell into the world of fashion Christopher graduated as a civil engi- Allied Breweries and from Beer Brands quite by chance in 2004, when he turned neer then took up serious hockey to di- to Pubs, principally branded food outlets a seemingly unfortunate incident to his visional level, but the career went a bit
30 July 2012
on hold when he married and moved WINTER, Jonathan (1956 L) girl, Lauren Madison Dyke. abroad in 1979. Over the next 30 years Jonathan retired as Dean of Woolwich he only had around 6 years in UK. for non-stipendiary ministries in 2000 EVERETT on 27th December 2010, to and about to “downsize” (before falling Paul Everett (1999 F) and Kate Everett, Now based in Denmark working for “downstairs”) after 45 years here. Mar- a girl, Isabelle Honey Everett. Siemens Wind power travelling around ried for 48 years with 3 children and 7 the world and playing over 60s divisional grandchildren. GILLIES on 8th October 2011, to and international hockey again. His di- Alexander Gillies and Kirsty Gillies (née vision, the East, are national champions WITT, Michael (1976 W) Johnston) (1999 H), a boy, Euan this year and will play in world cup in Currently in 16th year working for Alexander Gillies. Oxford, late August. British Airways as a pilot B777 on long haul, having spent the first 12 years as DE HAAN on 11th June 2011, to THORNHILL, Geoffrey (1939 W) short haul captain B737 Gatwick. Pre- Bonno De Haan and Elodie De Haan Geoffrey was in the RAF as Aircrew viously he served for 2 years Air UK and (née Marquais) (ex-staff 2008), a girl, Navigator from 1941-1946. Coastal 5 years at Dan-Air. Before becoming a Fleur Josephine De Haan. Command India and Sir Lanka from pilot he spent 7 years with Dolland and 1943-1945. He has 2 sons, 1 daughter Aitchison as an Optometrist. Michael is and 6 grandchildren. in regular contact with Philip Hoad and Ian Palmer (both 1976 W) and has 2 VEDROVÁ, Sabine (2008 S) children Lawrence aged 18 and Laura Sabine is currently studying for a Mas- aged 15. ter’s degree in International Relations at the University of Cambridge.
WELLS, Martin (1977 M) Births Currently Head of Operations for The Personal Finance Society, London and BAILEY on 28th March 2011, to is married to Gaynor with 2 boys (Sam Nicholas Heitz and Elizabeth Heitz (née MARTIN on 2nd November 2010, to aged 12 and Jack aged 8). He climbed Bailey) (1997 S), a boy, Sebastian John Martin and Sally Martin (née Pag- Mount McKinley, Alaska, the highest Alexander Heitz. onakis) (1996 V), a girl, sister to Megan. mountain in North America in 2001. BARRETT on 7th January 2012, to NEWCOMB on 28th January 2010, to WEST, Richard (1964 L) Roy Barrett and Clare Barrett (née Toby Newcomb (1988 M) and Rachel Richard is now retired and is Chair- Parkinson) (1999 H). a girl, Isabella Bar- Newcomb, a boy, William David Mon- man of Hertfordshire Hockey Associa- rett. crieff Newcomb. tion. CLARKE in December 2011. To PACKARD on 13th November 2010, WHITE, Richard (1957 W) Jonathan Clarke and Katherine Clarke to Trey Packard (1999 M) and Caroline, Married to Susan and has 3 children (née New) (1993 V), a girl, Eloise Ruth a boy, William Harrison Packard. Sirien, Erina, Christopher and 4 beauti- Clarke. Sister to Rory James Clarke ful grandchildren. Richard’s father was born March 2009. PRATTEN on 7th July 2011, to Ben J W White who was at SVS and Head Pratten (1998 M) and Louisa Pratten, a Boy in 1923/24 and a friend of A F S COCKBURN on 19th April 2011, to boy, Edison Charles Pratten. Cotton and E A “Tubby” Craven. He James Cockburn (2004 G) and Sophie keeps in touch with J C Johnson (1956 Lawrence, a boy, Frederick James. PROTZEL on 23rd October 2011, to W) regularly. Philipp Protzel (2003 W), a boy, Emil- DYKE on 17th May 2010, to Simon ian Philipp. Dyke (1991 F) and Catherine Dyke, a
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SLATER on 12 August 2011, to Rory L), Ian Betts (1982 L), Piers Roberts Slater (1994 W) and Nadine Slater, a (2003 W) and Elizabeth Mannington girl, Lexie. Sister to Leah. (2004 Cl).
THEOBALD on 24th May 2011, to Spencer Theobald (1999 M) and Alexandra Theobald (née Pugh) (2001 V), a boy, Montgomery James Theobald. He was baptised by Father Paul Kish in the School Chapel. His godparents are Dominic Cresswell (1999 F), James Coltella (2001 F) and Sarah Hosmer (2001 V).
Marriages in the fountain at Trafalgar Square ACOTT-MERRICKS on 3rd Septem- ber 2011. Andrew Acott to Amelia Mer- LEAHY-BURTON on 27th January REVEST-LE GRYS in July 2011. ricks (2004 S) at Ickelsham Church, East 2012. Aled Leahy (2004 L) to Kimber- Olivier Revest to Phillipa Le Grys (1995 Sussex. ley Burton. V). Married on a beautiful beach on the Greek Island of Skopelos. Fiona Wight COLLINGS-MARSH in August 2011. LONG-WYATT on 26th August 2011. (1995 V) served as Maid of Honour. Chris Collings to Natalie Marsh (2004 Dr Alexander Long (1997 L) to Jessica Photograph taken on their return in the S). Wyatt. fountain at Trafalgar Square, London.
FERLEY-COCKBURN on 7th July MACDONALD-RAMOS on 29th No- 2011. Rob Ferley (2000 W) to Emma vember 2011. Henry Macdonald (1958 SLEEMAN-MOORE on 24th Sep- Cockburn (2002 H) at Elvey Farm, W) to Maria-Jenny Ramos. Henry’s tember 2012. Ben Sleeman to Sophie Pluckley. Among the guests were Jason brother Bruce (1961 W) was Best Man. Moore (2001 V). Sophie met Ben at Rungassamy (2002 F), Marco Nardini University. (2000 W) and Robbie Joseph (2001 W). NEWCOMB-MOORE in May 2011. Toby Newcomb (1988 M) to Rachel The photograph from left to right: GILLIES-JOHNSTON in June 2010. Moore. Alexander Gillies to Kirsty Johnston (1999 H). Guests included Steven John- ston (2001 M) and Christy Best (1999 S).
KILBY-PIEDOT on 3rd September 2011. David Kilby to Elizabeth Piedot (2000 V) at Broomfield Church. Guests in attendance included Old Suttonians: Holly Fletcher (2000 V), Abigail Han- cock (2000 H), Ginnie Minter (2002 S), Frederique Posnette (2000 H), Tom Morgan (1999 L), Chris Morgan (1991
32 July 2012
Front row kneeling down are Sarah Hos- fight against pancreatic cancer. mer (2001 V), Emma Scott (née Mehra- Deaths bian) (2001 V), Sophie Rouse (1996 C) He was born in Jamaica in 1938, and Paul Phillips (2001 L). Sophie Moore ALLEN, Michael (1948 M), died on moved to Devon when he was 7 years (2001 V), 4th October 2011. Mike Allen came to old and transferred to Kent in 1952. He the School when he was evacuated to joined the ranks of the day boys at Sut- Standing are Steven Johnston (2001 M), this part of Kent from his home in South ton Valence at that time and after a very James Coltella (2001 F), Andrew Lyon London during the war. He excelled in successful career here he gained an ex- (2001 F), Charlotte Lyon (née Foreman) athletics, particularly sprinting, and im- hibition to Oxford. After national serv- (2001 S), Katie Gornall (2001 V), Sophie mediately after the war he went as a vol- ice and a short sojourn in the navy, he Moore (2001 V), Alexandra Theobald (née unteer to help in the organisation of The obtained a second degree in Law in Pugh) (2001 V), Spencer Theobald (1999 London Olympics of 1948. He helped London and was called to the bar and M), Catherine Birch (2001 V), Alexa Bannister in his training for the 4 minute thence to chambers in Lincoln’s Inn. Phillips (née Carmichael) (2001 V), Ed- mile, as did others who had been at the During this time his family established ward Boyle (2001 F), Monica Grigg (née School. Mike went into the Army as a themselves in the Three Suttons and it Khanna) (2001 V). career soldier. After Sandhurst, he was in East Sutton that Robert made his joined the Royal Signals, spending much home some 25 years ago. SWINDELLS-SELWAY on 30th July time in Catterick and the Far East, in 2011. Sam Swindells to Hannah Selway which latter theatre he fought Malay ter- Despite a busy law practice Robert (2002 V) in Frittenden Church and was rorists. After this followed tours in the was always ready to give much of his given away by her brother William Sel- Near East, Soloman Islands and Can- time to ‘local matters’. He was active in way (2004 G). berra and Washington. He was in Viet- church circles and was churchwarden at nam at the height of the war there. the time of his death. His political inter- WHITEMAN-SCOTT in August 2009. Major Allen moved on to work for ests led him to be the treasurer of the Steve Whiteman to Nicola Scott (1997 SHAPE in Belgium and, once retired local constituency party and also the S) in Cyprus. Church ceremony followed from the Army in 1985 he worked at election agent for Hugh Robertson in by BBQ on the beach. Nicola met Steve Catterick Garrison in a retired officer the elections of 2005 and 2010. in November 2004 in Florence whilst post. He was also very active in local af- running a marathon. fairs, especially in the village church, St Highly efficient, extremely conscien- Anne’s, for which he organised fetes tious, a very modest gentle man, WOODCOCK-KAPTA on 28th Sep- with military precision and an eye for Robert’s contribution to the life of the tember 2011. Ben Woodcock (1996 F) detail. He was very active in politics rep- Three Suttons was immense. Head of School to Sara Kapta on resenting, as councillor, his parish, and Forsyth Island, New Zealand. The cer- Richmondshire district as a Conserva- BALL, Frank ‘Pill’ (Master 1956- emony was attended by a few close tive. He sat on the North Yorkshire 1985), Frank Roskell, 'Pill', aged 90, died friends. A reception dinner was held on County Council, specialising in transport gently of old age on 16th February 2012 12th November in Houston, Texas, USA matters. in Norfolk, and born 22nd August 1921 where we have lived for the past 6 years. in Newton-le-Willows. They are now relocating to Calgary, John Newell (1948 M) and Trevor Canada. Grice (1948 M), contemporaries of He was an all-action all-rounder, Mike’s at Sutton Valence, attended his being (among other things) physicist, funeral along with very many friends and swimmer, rugby player, water colourist, his surviving children. His wife and eld- Commando and school teacher (Sutton est son pre-deceased him. Valence School, Kent and before that at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, ARGLES, G Robert (1957 F), Robert Blackburn). Throughout his career at Argles died at home in East Sutton in Sutton Valence he was always very con- April 2012 after a long and courageous siderate to the pupils he taught. Gener-
33 Old Suttonians Newsletter
ations of boys in Holdgate will remem- Edwin Boorman, a distinguished he did much work for several national ber his care as Housemaster very fondly newspaper proprietor, charity supporter charities. David was one of our OS who and most were seriously infected by his and Sutton Valence School Governor was a Liveryman of the City of London. massive enthusiasm for knowledge and died earlier this year after a short illness. He was a Cooper. The Coopers are his enormous appetite for competitive Edwin served as a Governor of the unique in that they have a Society and activities. As Housemaster, Pill was ably School from 1976 to 2001, when he also the Wardens are voted in by the Society. supported by his wife, Mary, who unfor- became national president of the News- David was Under Warden and Court tunately, pre-deceased him. paper Society, and chaired the School’s Member in 1994 and the Upper Warden finance committee from 1997 to 2001. in 1995.
Edwin was also instrumental in the DUCKER, Michael (1951 DB), died in successful effort to secure the future of March 2012. Michael left the School, Underhill Preparatory School in 1978, after O levels in 1951. His school career which was going through a period of fi- had included sports participation, but nancial difficulty. He chaired the com- not in the ones he loved. Rallying! He mittee, which also included the current joined the Kent County Council and School Chairman of Governors Bryan worked there faithfully and long, ending Baughan, which restored stability. Un- as Senior man in the Rights of Way Of- derhill subsequently become Sutton Va- fice. His leisure time was spent in driv- lence Prep School. ing and navigating in Car Rallying – and Holdgate 1965 organising events. Back row - Peter Vester (1968 C), Chris Educated at Rydal School and Hooker (1969 M), Michael Wigg (1968 Queen’s College, Cambridge, Edwin FURNEAUX, Colin (1956 M), died in W), Gerald Talbot (1970 L), Howard was involved with several Kent charities, July 2011. After obtaining his B.Sc in Miller (1969 L) including Royal British Legion Indus- Agriculture at Wye, and National Serv- Middle row - Paul Thomas (1969 C), tries, St John Ambulance and Kent Air ice which saw him spending time in Iain Crump (1967 C), ‘Pill’, Roger Ambulance. Nigeria, Colin worked for Nestle in Swe- Molyneux (1969 C), Simon Caro (1969 C) den where he met his wife Barbro. They Front Row - Stephen Jolley (1971 C), He leaves a widow, Janine, a son returned to the UK and settled in Crow- Bharat Oza (1971 C), Julian Abbott Henry – who attended SVS – and four borough and had a daughter Caroline. (1971 C) daughters from a previous marriage one Colin worked for Cadbury Schweppes of whom, Geraldine, succeeded him as and subsequently set up his own busi- BOORMAN, Edwin (Ex-Governor), chairman of the Kent Messenger Group. ness trading in food raw materials. He died on 15th March 2012. enjoyed a long and active retirement. BURMESTER, Kenneth (1939 M), died in 2009. GODDARD, Peter (Ex-Staff), died on 6th May 2012. COLLET, David (1954 W), died peacefully at home on 4th August 2011. GOLD, Leon (1968 W), died on 5th After David left SVS he did National April 2012. Service in the Royal Navy for a couple of years and he was an active member of GORE, George (1943 F), died in No- the RNR for many years after that, vember 2011. reaching the rank of Lt Commander, re- ceiving the RD (The RN Reserve Deco- GRAFTON CBE FRICS FIArb, Peter ration). His working career was mainly (1933 M) (Ex-Governor), died on 20th in Marketing for Unilever, Reckitt and May 2012. Peter Grafton was one of the Colman and finally Guinness. After that very oldest members of the OS commu-
34 July 2012
nity having been at the School from Liberal, against Harold MacMillan, in ity College, Dublin where he won a 1929-1933. He contributed much as a the 1950 election, he broke his leg play- scholarship to read Experimental Sci- schoolboy but his greatest involvement ing rugby half-way through the cam- ence. He completed degrees in that sub- came later as an active member of the paign and had to finish it running up and ject and also in Law. He was invited to OSA and by membership, then chair- down the streets canvassing on crutches! join Wood Gundy in Toronto and he be- manship, of the Governing body of this It will in the realm of golf that he is more came a Senior Vice President and In- School. Peter was a Chartered Surveyor, remembered. He was founder Chairman vestment Advisor. indeed he was member of the court of of the Public Schools’ Old Boys’ Golfing the Worshipful Company of Chartered Society and co-donor of their prestigious Deeply committed to hospital services Surveyors and he also gave much of his trophy ‘The Grafton Morrish Trophy’. he was appointed chairman of Hillcrest time to his industry’s strategic commit- Like his brother, he did have literary Hospital and Treasurer of Blue Cross. tees. According to one contemporary skill, as can be seen below: He brought with him to the table of ‘He was a real glutton for work; no won- these institutions a fascination with eco- der he got the CBE’. The Curse of Pleonasm nomic affairs and a relaxed and contem- (a reaction to the oft-recurring verbal plative philosophy together with an Peter was by no means a dull boy be- redundancies heard on radio and TV) encyclopaedic knowledge that made him cause of his dedication to work. He had ideally suited to leadership in these in- an intelligent, active fun-filled brain. I Well, look – you know – I mean – you stitutions. expect this was part of his make up; let see It, sort of, - um – occurs to me us remember that it was his twin, older That, somehow, I might – kind of – say HOVEY, Michael (1946 W), died on by 20 minutes, Jimmy, who helped to What I am hoping to convey. 25th April 2012. write the scripts for the Goon Show That’s if – you know – you’re happy to above the family pub in Victoria. His Accept that what I’m telling you KAY, David (1938 W), died on 17th first thought on leaving School was to go Is – sort of – worth you waiting for, July 2011. Brother of Ian Kay (1941 M). up to University to be a doctor, but he While I still search my mental store was deflected into the Surveying profes- For words, which tell you what I mean; KEMSLEY, Gordon (1943 M), died sion by a sailing companion who per- That’s if you’re patient still and keen on 27th October 2011. Scion of a well- suaded him to become his pupil. No To know if what I had in mind known Kentish farming family, Gordon sooner had he qualified than he was To say can (if the words I find) attended the School during the second called up in the Queen’s Westminster Be well and quite concisely said, war and made a strong contribution to Rifles. His first task was to set up an in- Expressing what was in my head. its corporate life in difficult times. His ternment camp. After being commis- main love was cricket, representing the sioned in the Dorsetshire regiment he Alas, the effort’s far too great School in his last two years here. Of found himself defending Wyke Regis For my untidy mental state; course that was much less important against possible invasion. He transferred So, therefore – um – I’m in a mess than doing well in the ‘house match’, to the Royal Engineers and spent the Through using words so meaningless and his contribution in 1943 may well later part of the war in the Cocos islands As ‘um’ and ‘ah’ and ‘look’ and ‘well’. have been his crowning glory. laying an airstrip for a final assault on I mean – I think – Singapore, but that was pre-empted by O what the hell! His greatest achievement must have the dropping of the first atomic bomb. been in his last term as one of the prin- After the war he joined GD Walford and HEARN, Peter (1947 W) died on 28th ciple architects of the win in the cricket Partners and became their Senior Part- September 2011. Brother of Robin house match against Westminster. (You ner and influential member of RICs af- Hearn (1945 W) Head of School. need to understand that the rivalry and fairs. He became their 97th president in intensity of this match - the need to win 1978-9. Peter distinguished himself at an early and get bragging rights - was manifestly age as an outstanding all-rounder. After more important to the boys than mere Peter’s main interests were Rugby Sutton Valence, where he was Head Boy success for a School team.) In this Union, politics and Golf. Standing as a and captain of Cricket, he went to Trin- match, played over two days and with
35 Old Suttonians Newsletter
both sides having two innings it was his MABERLY, Dion Jonathan purpose built, environmentally con- early wicket-taking in both the innings MB BS; FRCP; FRACP (1956 F), trolled allergy assessment unit in the of Westminster that contributed to their world in Steeton, West Yorkshire. It was restricted score - he had despatched a well appointed, 12 bedded facility with their best batters. For his own contribu- an inhalant and chemically free envi- tion with the bat it was he who gave, ronment run by highly trained, dedi- again in both innings, a really sound cated staff. Giving people back the start to his Margaret's side enabling a control for their well-being proved very comfortable win by 3 wickets. The pleas- positive for many and the overall success ure must have been all the greater be- rate for the chronically sick patients who cause there is no doubt that the betting were seen proved to be remarkably high, money would have been heavily on when a study was done in the early 90’s. Westminster before the match began. A pioneer who was years ahead of his After leaving the School, Gordon played time he was considered an eccentric by for the OS Cricket team and was partic- died on 10th February 2012. Having many for using methods which today are ularly proud of having taken the wicket trained at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, much more widely accepted. of Mark Benson (1977 M) on the two Jonathan (or Dr Maberly) spent a year times he played against him. in Washington DC as a medical intern He had been interested in allergy followed by two and a half years in since the 1960’s and was an early mem- LONSDALE, John (1945 M), died on pathology and chest medicine in New ber of the British Society for Allergy and 6th February 2012. John Lonsdale (1945 Zealand, gaining his MRACP whilst Clinical Immunology, serving as a com- M) died 6th Feb. John Lonsdale (1945 there. On his return to the UK he mittee member. He was a long-standing M) epitomised all that was good about worked at St Thomas’, Hammersmith member of the British Society for Al- those that have been taught at this and Middlesex hospitals during which lergy, Environmental and Nutritional School. John was here but briefly during time he attained his MRCP. In 1974 he Medicine, and a past president. On his the latter part of the War. On leaving he was appointed Consultant Physician retirement he received the inaugural followed his love of Electrical Engineer- specialising in chest medicine at Maberly Medal which the Society cre- ing and became C.Eng. MIEE. He Airedale General Hospital, West York- ated to recognise outstanding contribu- worked in senior positions for a variety shire, where he worked until his retire- tions to Environmental Medicine of industrial concerns in the Dorset area ment in 1996. In late 1970 2 members throughout his life and gave a lot of his of the American Clinical Ecology group Jonathan Maberly has been described leisure time to politics and sport. In his were invited to give a seminar at the as many things; empathic, gentle, charis- younger days he was Chairman of Sus- Royal College of Physician and matic, innovative, dedicated, but he al- sex Young Conservatives and a member Jonathan was convinced that their ap- ways remained unaware of the full of the National YC Committee; some proach to chronic ill health was the way extent of his life’s work. With the unwa- sixty years after he left these walls he forward. Essentially it was asking why vering support of his wife it is not an ex- was still playing (and coaching) croquet. people were sick, what was precipitating aggeration to say that he made a huge He gave his time and effort to ‘Univer- their medical problems, rather than at- contribution to change in the way soci- sity of the Third Age’ as a lecturer and tempting to treat /mask the symptoms. ety now regards its health in relationship was busily involved with the aid efforts Having long felt there was some sort of to its environment. A man of many in- of St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth. outside trigger in childhood asthma terests, with a sharp, enquiring mind he from his work in Auckland, NZ, was a member of a rare breed; quiet and LURCOCK, Maurice John (1964 F), Jonathan quietly used these methods in unassuming, but with an unshakable in- died in 1987, of cancer. He was living in his practice from then on with increas- tegrity and strength which enabled his to Leiden in Holland at the time and his ing success. Inevitably, as his practice achieve much against great odds. ashes are buried in Sassenheim. grew, he had patients who were too complicated to treat adequately as out He emigrated to Australia in 2001 and patients. In 1985 he opened the first the sun he loved so much. He spent a
36 July 2012
very happy period of his life ‘Down gentler sex before, but only on a tempo- when Director of marketing develop- Under’ together with his family who rary basis while regular male teachers ment at Conono. Not content with the have all settled there. fought in the two World Wars. Marjorie ease of retirement he set up a Confer- was not alone, however, for after one encing Company. He represented the PERCIVAL, John (1943 M), died in year she had Barbara Piper to keep her UK in the European Liquified as Petro- January 2012. company in those early days of a male leum Association, becoming its presi- dominated Common Room. dent. PILBEAM, Julie, (Ex-staff SVPS), died on 4th February 2012. Julie sadly She was an outstanding teacher of SMITH, Keith (Ex-staff 1968-1991 passed away following her long battle Mathematics and many generations of and Housemaster St Margaret’s 1970- with cancer. Julie joined the Prep School OS will remember her exacting stan- 77) in November 2003 and retired October dards but nevertheless understanding Keith joined us as Head of Biology in 2011. and sympathetic tactics in putting across 1968 and made a deep and lasting im- her subject to them. She was supposed pact on many of his pupils. He had a POPAY, Marjorie (Ex-staff 1972- to be part-time, but from a very early very effective method of making his 1989), stage her dedication to her teaching and topic more easily remembered by use of the fact that she was prepared to take so anecdotes and quality acting skills. No- much care over her pupils meant she one who ever witnessed it could forget was, in practice, full-time. She intro- his impression of the evolution of the duced computing to the School and she plant ovary using only one hand, and his built the department with tremendous tale of George, the tapeworm (intro- enthusiasm. duced to several dinner parties by his host) was equally remembered. This is Marjorie left us in 1989, but rather to identify just a couple of his many var- than spend the autumn of her life in re- ied stories, but his contribution and laxed activity she took on the mantle of story-telling was not confined to the lab- ‘advisor in IT to the KCC’ and did much oratory. His ‘performances’ in Chapel in that organisation to help them come could be riveting; when given advance to terms with a ‘new age’ before her notice that he was conducting the serv- eventual retirement. Even then she was ice, expectations of a thought-provoking not content to be at rest. Her energy and but unusual and entertaining address massively inquisitive mind saw her using were high – and usually realised. her skills in a number of projects. We died in July 2011. Born in Dublin in shall miss her energy and her charm and Keith was a complete all-rounder. He 1934 but educated in Kent, Marjorie understanding. became very involved in games and in went, after obtaining a good degree in both Rugby and Cricket his support of maths at London University, first into POTTER, Kenneth (1931 DB), died the master in charge was always wel- the RAF, thence to Marconi Avionics on 8th March 2012. After school Ken- come. He was always very proud, and where she became PA to the head of the neth spent some time on his father’s protective, of the teams he ran. He often guided weapons department. She was a fruit farm before deciding on a career in told the tale that he was sorely tempted first class engineer, specialising in engineering and qualified as CEng., to ‘hide’ the talent of some of his second Radar. She left this establishment and MIMechE and then volunteered for the team lads from the gaze of the master in raised a family with her husband David. TA. When war broke out he was posted charge, lest they be elevated; he was to the Middle East and Burma and rose convinced they would not enjoy life in a Marjorie came to Sutton Valence in rapidly through the ranks of REME to more pressured environment. He was 1972. She was a pioneer – being the very become Lieutenant Colonel. After the very active in the CCF, indeed he was its first female teacher in the School. We war he began a long and successful ca- commanding officer for two years, and had benefitted from the efforts of the reer in the oil industry, retiring in 1980 he was also a very well-regarded House-
37 Old Suttonians Newsletter
master of his beloved St Margaret’s. He he was Chairman of the Ashford Valley • The closer working relationship was a forceful member of the careers ad- Hunt and regularly, and successfully, en- and sharing of resources with the vice team at the School – and this was tered his horses in various point-to-point School Development Office; not confined just to the pupils, many of meetings. • The increasing use of social media, his colleagues felt the benefit of his ad- allowing members of the OSA to vice when it came to thinking about the • • • be more directly linked, and for the future shape of their careers. OSA to communicate more effec- tively and cheaply with members; SOLOMON, Michael (1945 W), died OSA AGM on 28th March 2012. • Concern about the low take up of and Dinner “traditional” events, which clearly STANDEN, John (1939 W) died in only appeal to a very small minority 2009. After the reappointment of the offi- (eg the Annual Dinner); cers of the committee a new committee TIPPLES, Peter (1939 M) member, Amelia Shaw (1995 V), was • Seeing how similar organisations Peter was born the middle of three elected. Your committee members for are evolving. brothers, all of whom came to Sutton 2012 – 2013 are: Valence. He modestly said that he was President It is a work in progress at present, but never much good at academic studies E John Evans (1953 W) at the core is the OSA becoming a facil- but he was very proud of his ability at Chairman itator, encouraging individuals and in- sport. After the war, in which he saw Desmond High (1973 F) terest groups to develop their own service in France, Belgium and Holland Honorary Secretary activities and events, and, where neces- he returned to farming in Kent. He took David Pickard (Master 1977-2001) sary, financially priming the pump. Ex- an active role in the NFU and the Mar- Honorary Treasurer amples already include the Cricket Tour den Fruit Show. He represented the Tim Weedon (1976 L) to Somerset last summer, when the OSA area on the Hops Marketing Board and Hon Dinner Secretary met the (modest) accommodation costs was proud to be an Honorary Life Vice Rupert Humphrey (1978 L) for the Under 25s, and the OSA gather- president of the Weald of Kent Plough- Members ing in London in January this year, when ing Match Society. His column for the Nigel Swaffer (1971 F) the OSA covered the welcome drink and last 24 years in ‘South East Farmer’ mag- Catherine Mills (née Day, 1995 V) room hire. azine was often amusing and always Philip Higgins (1970 F) thoughtful and relevant. Jon Evans (1992 F) After the reports, 91 sat down to the Amelia Shaw (1995 V), meal, slightly fewer than last year, but a Peter also gave himself generously to Charlotte Bills (née Basham, 1992 S) number that is above average for the last service in the local community. He Mrs N J Ellis (née Aviss, 1991 V) few years. We ran our own bar and many served on Marden Parish Council and thanks to the Chiddingstone Brewery was a governor of Marden Primary After reports from the Dinner Secre- who donated some ale for our cause. School. He was also a Trustee for a tary and David Bunker on sporting ac- Hugh Robertson proved to be an excel- small charity ‘The Allen and Maplesden tivities, the Honorary Secretary reported lent speaker and we shall seek to con- Trust’ in Marden. at some length on membership issues, tinue to search for speakers for future including a statement from Desmond dinners. Our guests included Olympians Sport continued to be a major love of High. An extract of which appears here: Paul Anderson (1952 W) and Neil his life and he served Marden for well Townshend (1973 F) and prospective over 25 years as fixture secretary to the During the last year the OSA commit- Olympian Susannah Townsend (2007 Russetts Hockey Club, captain of Mar- tee has given significant thought to the G); unfortunately, Ashley Jackson (2005 den Cricket Club and the first Chairman future structure and direction of the M) was unable to attend, but we were of the combined clubs from 1960-81. OSA. This has arisen as a result of a proud that the Daily Telegraph have Field sports were another passion and number of factors, but particularly: dubbed him (possibly) ‘the finest
38 July 2012
Hockey player in the World’. David Then back to Kent for the “Week”. wasn’t enough to contain a rampaging Bunker (1954 M) was presented with a Before the start of play against the Scor- Bradders. His contribution was a mod- claret jug at the dinner as a token of his pions, Nigel Wheeler, their cofounder, est 103 out of 159 when he was out. magnificent service to the OS over many presented the School and the OS with years. an inscribed bell for use on Upper to sig- Another sticky start against Peter nal the start of play. David Bunker then Davies XI. 15-3 and then 75-7 but Mike had great fun putting it into immediate Coles and Jack Field reprised the Ver- Report on OS and deafening use. non-Vincent show from tour and added 121, taking advantage of a modest field- We reduced them to 18-4 but had not ing side to achieve respectability. Most Cricket 2011 reckoned with a former Zimbabawe Test of the Davies batsmen made a start but player who batted immaculately for 106 OS chipped away at the wickets. Bit of a change this year with a short and then took 5-36 with canny off spin, tour to Somerset immediately prior to to give Scorpions a 90 run win. We continue our recent winning the August “Week”, plus the revival of streak against Dragons. Our 181 didn’t the fixture against the Mote meant a fix- The Roffensians match is usually really seem enough but we had no short- ture card of 10 games in 12 days, as well close, but this time we found them age of bowling and Messrs Field, Grif- as the School match. rather under strength. In a 45 over fin, Stileman, Coles and the Dooley match we made a respectable 238-9 with brothers all picked up wickets to see us That match was extremely close. An 74 from Chris Vernon but Roffensians to a 74 run victory. excellent OS declaration ended up with were never in the chase and succumbed both sides batting for 53 overs. Ben to 98 all out off only 26 overs. On the support side the same team of Leale-Green led the charge for the Philip Higgins (umpiring) Dan Ham- School with an outstanding 97 and the Likewise Marden. This game seems to mond (scoring), Kathy & Lorna High School needed 10 runs from the final go with home advantage, and Marden (catering) and Ian Avery and team over with four wickets in hand. Fortu- strugged to 125 in 36 overs, against a (ground) made sure that everything ran nately for the OS Sam Courtly was on “mature” OS bowling attack including smoothly and our continuing thanks to target, taking two wickets and only con- the venerable Richards (4 wickets), them. ceding five runs, leaving honours even. Richard Fetherston and James Sand- brook–Price. OS reached 130-1 in a Desmond High The short tour, excellently organised mere 13.4 overs with Bradders scoring October 2011 by Richard Bradstock, was great fun. A 65 out of 83 in 10 overs followed by 34no T20 match on the Wednesday evening from Tim Watts to make it a very early left North Curry ending up only 6 short trip to the Swan. of their target. Then heavy overnight rain meant the fixture against former On the Thursday, after a 73 year gap Brewer’s Cup rivals Old Tauntonians we played the Mote again. We made 243 was called off by 10am. off 40 overs with Bradders again scoring heavily. Mote fell 30 short but were al- In a 40 over match at Wembdon on ways well behind the required rate. And the Friday we lost wickets to the first two as with Phil Heine earlier in the week, balls of the match, and then 91-7 after Alan Barr (a regular Mote player) made 20 overs. Fortunately Chris Vernon and a welcome reappearance in our ranks. James Vincent then added 130 to take us to respectability. Wembdon only re- Blair Hart pulled the masterstroke of ally had one useful batsman (who scored recruiting Bradders to play for his All 82 of their runs) and we won at a canter Stars side. Ben Leale-Green scored a in 28 overs. fine first century for the OS but our 234
39 Old Suttonians Newsletter
2011 results in summary. Won 7, Lost 2, Drawn 1
26 June OS 242-7 dec SVS 239-8 Match drawn
OS 157 - 5 (20 overs) (S Higgins North Curry 151 all out C Ver- Won by 3 August 37*, J Parrett 34*) non 3-15) 6 runs
4 August OS v Taunton School OB No play possible
OS 232 (J Vincent 56*, Vernon Won by 5 August Wembdon 131 53) 101 runs Lost by 6 August Scorpions 243-7 (35 overs) OS 153 90 runs OS 238-9 (45 overs) (C Vernon Old Roffensians 98 (J Field 3- Won by 7 August 74) 24) 140 runs Won by 8 August Marden 125 (Richards 4-22) OS 130-1 (Bradstock 65) 9 wickets OS 243-8 (40 overs) (Bradstock The Mote 213-8 Vernon 3-8, M Won by 11 August 89) Day 3-31) 30 runs OS 234 (B Leale-Green 114) Blair Hart All Stars XI 236-3 Lost by 7 12 August (Bradstock 103) wickets OS 244-8 (40 overs) (M Coles P Davies XI 197-7 Won by 13 August 90*, Field 67) 47 runs OS 181 Dragons 107 (P Stileman 3-16, Won by 14 August R Dooley 3-7) 74 runs
Despite the strictures of the economic Whilst reaching a fund raising target News from climate that have prevailed all year, Old is very satisfying, for me the most re- Suttonians, parents and staff have sup- warding part of our work is that which ported the Annual Fund to such an ex- reflects the strength of the ties that ex- the School tent that we have again surpassed our tend throughout the wider School com- target of £20,000. It is testament to the munity. I have been delighted time and belief in what is done here at Sutton Va- again this year by the enthusiastic re- Development lence that so many have felt able to sup- sponse of individual Old Suttonians to port the School in this way. Over the our requests to help current pupils with Office News summer the Refectory will be redeco- work experience, mentoring and other rated and the updated Honours Boards support. The level and range of experi- will be hung. At the Prep School, next ence and ability in that body is truly I concluded last year’s news by saying year’s productions will benefit from new amazing, as is your willingness to help that this year promised to be just as ex- microphones and loudspeakers to en- the current generation on their own citing as 2010 -2011. It has, and in many hance the audience experience in the path to success. ways even more so! Bates Hall.
40 July 2012
This year nearly 300 OS have attended a variety of reunions, both here in the Extract from the Headmaster’s UK and abroad. LinkedIn and Face- book are proving useful tools for both networking and the passing on of infor- Report: Speech Day 2012 mation to Old Suttonians groups. There are currently 537 OS on LinkedIn, with “It was the best of times, it was the entirety. I could go on…. in fact, I will: more joining every week. worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the The proposed funding block in the Unable to travel abroad to see Old epoch of belief, it was the epoch of in- state system for the study of extra A lev- Suttonians, we have established a volun- credulity, it was the season of light, it els and other qualifications – on the teer in Hong Kong and two in Australia. was the season of darkness, it was the back of Michael Gove saying at the re- They have graciously organised reunions spring of hope, it was the winter of de- cent Brighton College education con- of some 70 alumni between them, with spair.” ference that it is “morally indefensible” our administrative support. We are hop- that so many top jobs are held by those ing to extend further to China and the Mr Chairman, honoured guests, Gov- with an independent education. To then USA in the near future. ernors, ladies and gentlemen, pupils, in propose that those aspirational and tal- the year that marks the bicentenary of ented students in the state sector, capa- Closer to home 62 OS, families and the birth of Charles Dickens, it seems ble of competing with the independent friends met at the Imperial War Mu- appropriate that the first words of my sector’s pupils and their opportunities, seum, Duxford in May. We were fortu- speech should be his and not mine. will not be funded for any additional nate to be hosted by Richard Ashton (St They are the opening to his novel A Tale stretch is madness. It not only reinforces Margaret’s ’86), the museum’s Director of Two Cities, and some of the most fa- my belief that education should not be and Executive VP, who went out of his mous words he ever wrote. Why are an area to be meddled with by ever- way to make the day special. We were they so memorable? Probably because changing governments and government toured around the museum by four of they don’t make sense. As a nation, we policy, but also underlines the fact that his volunteer guides, who took great de- are fascinated by contradictions. From this government is seriously to be found light in showing us the extensive collec- childhood, we love nonsense poems (In lacking in its joined up thinking when it tion. Fortified by a superb lunch, OS the land of the Bumbley Boo, The Peo- comes to education. spent the afternoon at their leisure ple are red white and blue, They never watching the flying aircraft and visiting blow noses, Or ever wear clothses, What As an independent school, we are those areas they had missed in the a sensible thing to do!) – there is some- very conscious of the financial commit- morning. thing in the human spirit, it seems, that ment parents make to the School, and is drawn to things that don’t quite make providing excellence in all areas and In May, despite the not so sunny sense – like government policy for in- good value for money are very real mo- weather, Grandparents had a wonderful stance – especially when it comes to ed- tivators for us as we go about our work. day with their grandchildren, touring the ucation! None of what your children achieve here School and then sitting down to lunch. would be possible if it wasn’t for your Many were kind enough to write and say Where do I begin? unswerving support in the background, how impressed they were with the and I am conscious of what a loyal and School and its pupils. Linear GCSEs from September, or O committed parent body we have here at Levels and a return to CSEs? Proposed Sutton Valence, and the Governors, my The programme of reunions and from 2013, an end to A level January staff and I are very grateful for that. events is developing for next year and we modules, one resit only per A level sub- have several exciting initiatives in the ject, an end to the two plus two split of It may appear to be a contradiction in pipeline for young and older Old Sutto- L6th and U6th modules, a review of the terms, but at Sutton Valence a C grade nians alike. 50/50 AS / A2 balance and even ques- can be just as impressive as an A* grade. Helen Knott tions over the future of AS Level in its The concept of value added, exceeding Development Manager
41 Old Suttonians Newsletter
potential, whatever that potential and in The situation with our GCSEs was There is no doubt that sports teams, whatever discipline, is at the core of all very similar to the A level results. Pupils music ensembles and drama groups cre- we strive to achieve and I am delighted at the top end did particularly well with ate such pockets of support and mini- that we do it so well. nearly 10% of the year group achieving communities within the whole; as do ten or more A* to A grades. Overall, many academic departments (particu- Three years ago the Assistant Head this year’s GCSE cohort managed to larly at A level), the CCF and the co-cur- Academic, Mr Clarke, told me that he maintain our near 40% A* and A ricular programme. The addition of believed that our target of 60% A*-B grades. In this year group, the top set Houses and vertical tutor groups adds to grades at A Level would be achievable gained 88% A* to A grades and we the levels of care and support we pro- in the medium term. I am very pleased managed to increase the overall number vide and I am pleased with how many to report that last August we surpassed of A* grades awarded by four percentile good things have emerged during this this with 61% A*-B grades. This means points and the value added to around initial transition year. that over a five year period we have in- 0.65 of a grade per pupil per subject. creased the percentage achieving these Change is never easy and there will al- top grades by 50%! So who knows what the government’s ways be pros and cons to anything, but next U turn or contradictory statement the pros of the new system definitely Students who were in the A set as they might be, but let’s hope that it does not outweigh the cons. Pupils and staff tell progressed through the School achieved damage the excellent work the pupils me that they enjoy the vertical tutor 95% A*-B grades, which clearly demon- and the School are able to do in work- groups and stronger relationships across strates that we serve our gifted students ing hard to exceed potential. the whole school are being forged with well. These raw statistics inevitably ob- excellent examples of role modeling and scure individual success and special The greatest strengths of Sutton peer support cropping up in every mention must go to David Booer and Valence are the community and the re- House. A burgeoning sense of house Cristina Paca who gained places at Cam- lationships between staff and pupils. identity and pride is emerging and the bridge to read Mathematics and Psy- This year we have re-introduced a prop- new House competition programme has chology respectively. These were not erly functioning House system sup- allowed all sorts of new competitions to the only excellent results as seven other ported by vertical tutor groups. Whilst be started, different talents recognised members of last year’s Upper Sixth were doing this we have also highlighted the and older traditions resurrected. awarded straight A* and A grades. first two years of the School as a sepa- What is even more encouraging is that rate entity allowing them greater nur- our value added at A Level shows that turing, increased scrutiny, with higher through the hard work of the pupils and standards and expectations being in- the support and teaching of the School, stilled from a younger age. we added on average 0.7 of a grade per pupil per subject this year, which con- I believe that the more pockets of tinues the high value added we have small and supportive communities one achieved over the past three years. This can create within a community, the will never result in all of our pupils greater the overall support and care achieving A* and B grades, but it does each individual will receive. Without show that the vast majority of each co- question, Sutton Valence is a supportive hort is academically doing better here and tolerant community and one that than they would have done were they to values the individuals of which it is com- have been educated elsewhere. If this prised. Rather than trying to make us all means that a student has improved a D the same, which can only result in di- grade prediction to a C grade come re- minishing our diversity and compromis- sults day, then this achievement is just as ing the strength of our community, impressive as an A grade student achiev- Sutton Valence celebrates differences ing an A*. and delights in individuality.
42 July 2012
In recognition of the importance of 1st XI enjoyed a 67% win rate whilst the ney to several hundred people, resulting our House competition, the Chairman U15C, U14C, U13B and U12B squads in an invitation to perform in next year’s of the Governors and Mrs Baughan all basked in undefeated glory. In European Jazz Festival. have presented to the School “The Cricket, after an exciting start to the Baughan House Cup” for the winning year with a fantastic tour to Cape Town We took part in the United Westmin- house across all disciplines that form in February, the season has been se- ster Schools’ Foundation Concert at part of our annual competition. Having verely disrupted due to the awful Christ Church Spitalfields, when our added in today’s sports day results, I can weather. The teams have all progressed Chamber Choir and the String Trio per- announce to you now that in fourth nicely and some very good cricketers formed. And over the year the Music place is Lambe’s, third place is have emerged in the younger years with Department, spearheaded by the Girls’ Founder’s, second is Clothworkers’ and Abdulla Adil scoring the School’s first Choir’s rendition of the ‘Military Wives therefore the winning house is century of the season for the U14s Song’, has raised over £2,500 for various Holdgate. against King’s Canterbury and Thomas charities. Lazarides taking 6 wickets for 21 for the At confirmation last Sunday, the first U13s against St Michael’s Otford. Whilst on the topic of charitable giv- reading was the story of David and Go- ing, I am very proud of how conscious liath and I found myself pondering on Individual mentions must also go to the School is of the need for charity in how apt this biblical story is to our Anna Baker, who has been selected for so many guises and I am delighted to an- school and the many larger schools we the U16 England Hockey team a year nounce that through our various charity face on a weekly basis in our sports fix- early, Emily Royer, who is the Kent fund- raising events this year we have tures. Our sporting achievements belie Girls Golf Champion and Peter Bannis- managed to raise £16,000 to date and our size and clearly demonstrate the tal- ter who continues to work towards his counting. ent and dedication of so many of our place in the 2016 Olympic GB Canoeing pupils in this arena. squad. Peter is also fortunate enough to Our CCF is also heavily involved in be running a leg of the Olympic Torch charitable work and I am proud of their This year saw the Girls Rugby 7s relay in Harrietsham. attitude and dedication. I also rather squad crowned County Champions. In bask in their achievements and suc- Hockey, the Girls 1st XI enjoyed a 73% It is frequently said of Sutton Valence cesses! This year the shooting team has win rate and the School teams were that we are a small school that punches won so many trophies that my reception County Semi-Finalists at U14, 16 and 18 far above its weight and nowhere is this has been adorned by more silverware age groups. Undefeated seasons were more evident than in our co-curricular than the Tower of London and special enjoyed by the U12A and B squads. In programme. mention must go to Thomas Latham, Netball the U12s won the Weald of Kent Anthony Bromley and Harry Percival tournament and the mighty U15s only For me the highlight of the year was for their individual successes. lost one match whilst winning the Be- the School’s production of Sweet Char- nenden tournament. The 1st VII ity. Music continues to go from strength Our Signals Team came fourth in the reached the semi-finals in the County to strength with the Chapel Choir per- national competition at Blandford and Tournament and also had superb wins forming Vivaldi’s Gloria with choir, also in the NRN Easter Bunny competi- against King’s Canterbury and Cran- soloists and orchestra all from the tion. Andrew Thomas was awarded the brook. The 1st Rounders team has re- School. The string groups tackle ever Howell Trophy for best cadet signaler as mained unbeaten all season and the U15 more exciting and challenging reper- well as being honoured with the Lord Girls Tennis team has only lost one toire, including Mozart’s 29th and Lieutenant’s Cadet of the Year award. match. Haydn’s Farewell symphonies, the Hol- berg Suite and the ravishingly beautiful Alexander Allsebrook, Hugh Gower In Boys sport, the 1st XV Rugby team slow movement from Elgar’s Serenade and James Aburn were all awarded recorded its first winning season in four for Strings. During the Easter Holidays Gliding Scholarships and their Silver years and several players were selected the Jazz Band performed in Paris at the Wings, whilst James was also selected to represent Kent. In Hockey, the Boys Jardin de Luxembourg and in Euro Dis- for the Air Cadets National Concert Band.
43 Old Suttonians Newsletter
The British Legion awarded our CCF events. He is off to teach in the United have done stepping into the breach and the Peter Davies Memorial Shield for its Arab Emirates, but before he goes he is wish them well as they move on to pas- contribution to the Legion and also pre- leading 13 Lower Sixth Form boys on a tures new. sented James Marriott with an individ- charity cycle ride from North Foreland ual award in recognition of his service in Kent to Land’s End via Sutton Va- We are sad to be losing Mr Stubbings over many years. lence, Brighton, Southampton, Dorch- who is moving to Canterbury and assist- ester, Exeter and Truro. The group is ing at The King’s School, so he can con- Much of our Duke of Edinburgh ac- raising funds for Blind Veterans UK. tinue to push for a place on the U21 tivity happens through and alongside the National Hockey squad. CCF and this year we have nearly a third Miss Halleron joined us in 2007 and of the School registered on the DofE quickly became involved in so many Mrs Jane Gerrard – the much-loved programme and, thus far, we have areas of school life that she has nearly day matron of Sutton House is leaving amassed 17 Gold, 24 Silver and 48 made herself indispensable. She teaches us to spend the year undertaking volun- Bronze awards. Physics, has been a much-loved tutor at teer work in South Africa, Thailand and Beresford, involved herself in every Cambodia working in an animal sanctu- The Schoolmaster, Thomas Grad- sport going and has been an excellent in- ary, a school and an orphanage. grind, in Charles Dickens's Hard Times fluence in the Army Section of the CCF. famously said: She leaves us to follow her Wanderlust Another important pastoral staffing and teach in Dubai. change, though not a farewell, is that "Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach Mrs Stanford is retiring from being these boys and girls nothing but Facts. After three years with us improving Housemistress of Sutton House after 11 Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant and consolidating the success of our RS years of dedicated service. She is adored nothing else, and root out everything department and running Critical Think- by the girls in the House and has coped else. You can only form the minds of ing, Mr Heath leaves to join the staff of brilliantly with juggling the demands of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing Wimbledon High School. His dedica- her day job in the Preparatory School else will ever be of any service to them. tion and intelligence will be sorely with her evening commitments in the This is the principle on which I bring up missed, especially by the Sixth Form and boarding life of the School. my own children, and this is the princi- he leaves St Margaret’s as a tutor with ple on which I bring up these children. their best wishes. Well, what a year it’s been! Full of in- Stick to Facts, sir!" dustry, enjoyment and adventure and as Miss Peerless has only officially been we gear down to a well-earned rest and Of course our staff teach facts, but with us for one year, but she has made a the chance to recharge our batteries, I they also do so much more. We are big impact during this short time. She is end as I began with a quote from blessed with a dedicated and caring a talented French and Spanish teacher Charles Dickens: staff, who are prepared to go far beyond and a caring and popular tutor. We will the obvious remit of their jobs, purely miss her and hope that our paths cross “Please sir, I want some more?” – but because they care for all in their charge. again before too long. I’m happy to wait until September! But, of course, every year we have to say good bye to some. Miss Pena has been an excellent Actor Thank you for listening. in Residence this year but her one year Mr Walsh has had two bites of the contract has come to an end, so she is off cherry here at SV as he finished in 2003 to be a house parent at the Arts School to go back to university, but we liked in Tring and to train to become a quali- him so much we re-employed him in fied teacher. 2008. He has taught Junior Science and Biology and been a very effective Head Our two temporary teachers, Miss of year, tutor, member of the CCF and, Cheema and Mr Ashby finish their time of late, heavily involved in charitable with us and we thank them for all they
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